Transforming the former Young's Brewery site where beer has been brewed since 1581, the Ram Quarter sensitively integrates historic Grade II buildings into a contemporary scheme which provides accommodation for boutiques, restaurants, a craft-brewery, a brewery museum and 650 new exclusive loft-style apartments.
These preserved areas have been seamlessly incorporated into the newbuild scheme creating a public pedestrian route with gardens around the core brewery buildings and integrating luxury residential units within the brewery house itself. This inspiring new development in the heart of Wandsworth creates a new residential community, with shops, restaurants and riverside walks.
Once inaccessible, the River Wandle is being landscaped to provide public access along a new riverside walk which will be traversed by three bridges as part of the Ram Quarter's 5,574sq m of retail and leisure space. Under the banner of 'vintage and modern', the architects in close collaboration with the planners and conservation advisers have created a contemporary build which reflects and respects the Grade II listed buildings.
Business Imperative
The core objective was to offer an aesthetically pleasing solution to an architecturally and culturally sensitive site, whilst providing energy efficient dwellings. The respect of the historical buildings was paramount. Steel framing systems had to be developed which considered the integrity of the existing buildings to enhance rather than detract from the original architecture.
Design & Construction
Working in partnership with Ardmore, one of the largest family owned construction groups in the UK - EOS designed, manufactured and supplied a range of around 15,000m2 of steel framing system (SFS) infill walling and 280m2 load-bearing steel systems for the project. From SFS infill for five new medium to high-rise concrete framed blocks to a bespoke load-bearing system of internal pods within the listed brewery house, EOS worked in close collaboration with all construction partners to develop systems that meet the exacting project requirements.
Challenges & Resolutions
Due to the large scale and complex nature of the project, it was imperative that EOS's steel framing systems were designed and supplied ready for easy onsite installation. EOS phased the supply of the SFS to the new builds floor by floor in line with the build programme. Using their unique complementary service for easy identification saving time onsite, the material was supplied colour coded by floor, bundled and individually labelled by floor and elevation; issued with key opening components pre-assembled offsite with all studs pre-cut to size. For the load-bearing pods to the retained listed buildings, EOS designed and supplied offsite pre-assembled wall and floor panels to form structurally independent platforms within the converted brewing rooms. These had minimal ties to the existing structure, thereby avoiding complications with listed consent and potential unforeseen issues associated with an aged building.
Positive Outcomes
With the scheme due for completion, the site has emerged from the ground on schedule, in part due to maximising the full potential of BIM. BIM Level 2 delivered a rapid manufacturing turn around facilitated by making best use of design for manufacture and assembly (DfMA) protocols, combined with innovative offsite technologies.
These offsite technologies include the pre-assembly of SFS window components ensuring correct and quick build of key areas, together with non-standard use of load-bearing pre-assembled panels which enabled the quick installation of the offsite solution. Achieving tight tolerances, the load-bearing system supported the internal framework in a sensitive listed building where minimal impact on the pre-existing structure was required.
One of the offsite solutions that offered maximum programme benefits was the innovative Thruwall® System. EOS - as part of the Etex Building Performance group of companies - can call upon the expertise of three leading lightweight construction brands - Siniat, Promat and EOS. The combination of expertise in drylining, external sheathing and steel framing systems, as well as passive fire protection, means that Etex Building Performance is uniquely positioned to bring these elements together to create a range of external Thruwall® systems.
Etex Building Performance partners, Siniat and Promat, were also asked to develop a full architectural specification for the internal partitions as well as offer their award-winning Weather Defence external sheathing board to the EOS sub frame.
EOS value-engineered every system and component to ensure minimal impact - leading to rapid and cost-efficient construction and minimised intrusion on a sensitive site. All these elements, plus the Siniat Weather Defence board, enabled a very rapid construction of the external facade with follow-on trades starting internally as soon as the envelope became weathertight. The Ram Quarter is injecting new life into old industrial units and has been very well received. The development will create a real community from nothing and is expected to become a destination in its own right. Ardmore Group recently celebrated success at the Premier Guarantee Excellence Awards - picking up a trophy for Refurbishment/Conversion Project of the Year for the impressive Building 11 at The Ram Quarter development.
Through collaborative working and by forming strategic alliances, EOS provide specialist services to businesses, large and small, including some of the most prominent companies in construction.
For more information on EOS Facades' products and services go to: www.eos-facades.co.uk
Original Link - Offsite Magazine
