Capella update 16 - small site footprint doesn't delay completion

Hybrid precast construction benefits for Kier

The Capella Laboratory in Cambridge is on the verge of completion. Main contractors the Kier Group, have benefited from the partnership with PCE Ltd, whose hybrid construction techniques have enable the project to be completed on time and to budget.

The structure was built using two cranes on a confined site with a relatively small footprint between two existing facilities that were in use throughout the construction phase. PCE delivered the seven suspended floors of the structure (totalling approximately 17,000m²), including the suspended ground floor to Level 6, as well as erecting the 5.0m deep basement walls and external envelope, in the eight months allocated to the project.

 

Minimising vibrational effects

The finished building will have an uncompromising requirement for the minimisation of vibrational effects when it is occupied and in use, because of the very sensitive nature of the scientific equipment that will shortly be installed. PCE's approach has embraced this and, with effective implementations of BIM techniques, has allowed the integration of an extremely complex services strategy. This includes the pre-installation of the main services routes and package plant along with the integration of a precast facade solution with pre-installed glazing.

 

Facilitating high level research

The Cambridge Biomedical Campus website hails the exciting potential of the new facility:

"The emerging design will provide facilities for leaders in their field of research and provide the benefit of potential collaboration with scientists of equal standing: In this way Project Capella will not only facilitate high level research but also stimulate the exchange of new ideas and help develop new alliances."
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