Past Projects

Capella Laboratory

Project Capella was transformed from blank piece of paper to an enclosed building in 24 months.

Consulting Engineers

Arup

Architect

Fairhursts Design Group

Main Contractor

Kier Group

Client

Cambridge University

Finite element analysis along with specialist vibration analysis software was utilised to model the structure and the stiffness of the floor plates to develop an appropriate composite slab arrangement.

This, coupled with the benefits of constructing the superstructure in its entirety, including façade, from basement slab to roof resulted in a level of optimisation never seen before in this sector.

 

The Cambridge Biomedical Campus website:

“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.”

Safety

On site, PCE used their in-house developed innovation, SlingSafe, to enable safe offloading of components from flat bed trailers. The use of PERI safety rail leading edge system was also used.

Quality

Structure designed and constructed to achieve a very low Vibration Criteria of A(VC-A), whilst pre-glazed external precast concrete sandwich panels were used with a high class of architectural finish.

Speed

The onsite construction programme was 20 weeks faster than the original insitu concrete scheme proposed and with a reduced workforce over 2,500 site operative weeks were saved.

Value

PCE’s Hybrid floor plate design enabled flat soffits thus simplifying M&E services fit out whilst enabling flexibility in partitioning and use of floor space.

PCE System Used

Hybrid Frames

Systemised DfMA delivery of hybrid structural frames and façades

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Related System Projects

Assembly Building B

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