A derelict 1970s concrete framed building earmarked for demolition has been transformed and extended from four to six storeys. Reuse principles were adopted to provide much needed office, community, education, and performance spaces for a charity.
The additional two storeys were achieved with minimal strengthening to the existing foundations and frame. Thorough investigations and analysis proved most of the foundations could withstand load increases with only two shallow foundations requiring strengthening. Concrete and rebar samples from the frame were used to confirm the existing strength of the structure and combined with detailed analysis, found only a small number of the columns required strengthening. This minimal intervention approach resulted in significant savings.
The engineers played a fundamental role in giving the client and stakeholders the confidence to strengthen and reuse the existing building rather than demolish. Their diligent and determined approach demonstrated a viable future for the existing structure. The project is a substantial retrofit and vertical extension which doubled the building size, achieving a complete transformation with significant carbon savings. The before and after transformation is remarkable.