FOR THE LOVE OF DETAIL
The structural detailing is important because it justifies how the aesthetic intention is achieved - namely the contrast and apparent independence of old and new in the scheme.
1. GLASS FACADE TO ESSOLDO
The intention for the rear facade is to open up the Essoldo to create a view to the garden in order to connect the spaces. To achieve this, a steel frame supports double glazing panels and the brick work that has been undercut.
The steel frame is free standing, and holds up the Essoldo's brickwork. Attached are double glazed panels which act as a curtain wall. Insulation and interior brick work have been added to the exterior walls to improve the thermal mass and performance of the old parts of the building.
The interior walls are solid, cast in-situ concrete. These support metal joists, from which the floor and ceiling finishes are built up from. The services run through the floors rather than up the walls.
2. BACKSTAGE/ESSOLDO AUDITORIUM
The original Essoldo structure is intended to act as a shell for the new development. As the building materials and methods are different, the structures are independent of each other to reduce issues with variable movement.
interior concrete walls and floor joists
i - beam supports Essoldo brick work
light weight steel frame stage
exterior concrete walls support steel frame roof
INTERIOR WALL/FLOOR JUNCTION
​
The interior walls do not need insulation so are solid, structural concrete supporting floor joists which support the balustrade and house services
BACKSTAGE WALL/ROOF JUNCTION​
​
The backstage has a solid, concrete appearance from the exterior, which is achieved by solid walls, and concrete decking. This makes the roof and floor lighter weight, thus allowing for longer, thinner spans.
STAGE TO ESSOLDO JUNCTION
​
Three I-beams hold up the Essoldo brick work where the stage opening is found. Attached to this is the joist system of the roof. The plasterboard finish covers up the junction, making it seemless.
3. LINK JUNCITONS
The link connects the restaurant and Essoldo together. The principle is long span concrete slabs supported by walls and columns. As the same construction type as the restaurant the concrete runs continuously through, rather than having a bracket support and movement joint at the Essoldo junction.
LINK ROOF TO ESSOLDO
​
As concrete and brick behave differently as materials particularly as the brick is older, it is important to have a movement joint to allow for flexibility between the junction. this prevents cracking and other structural issues.
LINK OFFICE
​
The first floor link slab is supported by the walls of the link office. The slab continues across without a break, but gets thinner to accommodate a ceiling build up, insulation and services.
LINK ROOF TO RESTAURANT
​
As the restaurant is also concrete, the roof slab can continue across. Anchoring the slab on the restaurant provides structural support to help hold the concrete up.
4. RESTAURANT
The restaurant is characterised by it's simple materiality and form, open long span spaces and glass facade. In order to achieve this, solid concrete and steel columns prop up a structural grid which transfers the loads across, allowing for the long spans to be achieved.
FIRST FLOOR WALL TO GRID
​
The first floor wall has no support directly beneath it for much of its span. It is therefore constructed with a single thin exterior concrete panel to ensure it is lightweight. The grid can then transfer the load across to the concrete walls.
WALL TO ROOF/GRID
​
The concrete walls anchor the structural grid, which support steel decking with cast concrete. By casting the concrete over the decking, the weight is reduced, whilst not compromising the finish.
5. GARDEN
As previously shown, the garden planters are simple and functional. The steel frame supports the cladding and various water & tool storages and the soil in which to grow.
100mm steel frame primary structure leaves voids for services/functionality
50mm concrete panel clad, 30mm wooden seating planks fixed to frame
550mm soil bin for growing, void underneath accommodates drainage