Client

Derby City Council

Location

Derby

Project Value

£3.6m

Architect

Bauman Lyons

Contractor

Willmott Dixon

Project Brief

Derby City Council aimed to create an enterprise centre in the Cathedral Quarter conservation area, to provide space for start-up and small businesses in the city. The enterprise centre helped to regenerate this part of the city and was the first phase in the wider Sadler Square development. The scheme provided two mixed-use office buildings with an additional annexe. The buildings, totalling 1,800 square metres of space, are linked by a raised walkway and split into 40 studio offices.


Solution

Initially appointed to the design stage of the process, we developed solutions for the foundations, superstructure and drainage for the development, and were subsequently appointed for the remaining duration of the build.

We designed solutions that were sympathetic with the older buildings in the vicinity, ensuring the foundation work and the build itself would not have a detrimental effect on any of the neighbouring structures. The structural systems we designed involved ensuring the stability of the distinct duo-pitched roofs, to incorporate wind-bracing and a combination of timber rafters, steel eaves, purlin and ridge frames, and designing the steel works required across the whole build.

To satisfy the design vision, Adept provided a solution which featured exposed soffits throughout, requiring shallower beams covering a long span which could be embedded in the floor structure. Additionally, we were able to accommodate specific requests, such as minimising vertical bracing on the building, whilst working to tight deadlines.

We provided creative and practical solutions which exceeded expectations and minimised the challenges faced by the contractor.