Capella update 8 – the benefits of hybrid precast construction

Certainty, scale and flexibility advantages

The Capella Laboratory in Cambridge is in the process of being constructed in conjunction with consulting engineers Arup and main contractor the Kier Group.

The structure will be built using two cranes on a confined site with a relatively small footprint between two existing facilities that are currently in use.

The hybrid construction advantage

PCE Ltd are delivering 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 just 8 months of site activity. The lift shaft and stair cores will be used to provide the frames structural stability and will be constructed to full height using volumetric concrete box modules at the start of the erection process giving a significant time saving and providing safe access and egress to those on site to the buildings floors as they are erected.