Aston Academy, Birmingham

Aston Academy was within the National Wave 2 Building Schools for the Future programme and Birmingham City Councils BSF Framework. As part of this plan it was proposed to proposed to provide an Engineering Academy, sponsored by Aston University. The Academy provides facilities for 11-16 year olds and sixth form students.

Client:
Birmingham BSF Framework

Location:
Birmingham

Project Value:
£18,500,000

Services Provided:
Civil and Structural Engineering Consultancy

Added Value:
The site was formerly a foundry with a split level of 6 metres. The existing retaining wall was kept insitu and its structural integrity analysed in order that it could be utilised within the new proposals. The substructures and superstructure were designed around the 60m length of wall, which added major commercial and time saving benefits to the project.

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Aston Academy, Birmingham

Description

The structure comprises a steelwork frame supporting exposed precast concrete planks, which assist in the thermal performance of the building. The footprint is split level over a former basement of 6 metres in depth. The existing retaining structure was utilised within the final design and the new building was carefully co-ordinated to ensure the wall had minimum impact on the spacial planning of the structure. A detailed analysis of the ground engineering solution was carried out in conjunction with the geotechnical consultants, to value engineer the ground solution given the difficult site constraints.

For further information please contact Project Director, Dave Copeland