Sustainable Solutions – The Fitzrovia W1
The Fitzrovia W1, located on Tottenham Court Road in London, is a six-storey mixed-use major redevelopment project, for which PCE Ltd have been chosen as the specialist structural frame design and build contractor.
PCE's HybriDfMA solutions elevate not just speed, quality, efficiency, and safety, but sustainability, too. Its streamlined and predictable systemised solutions ensured PCE were the ideal candidate to deliver the environmentally conscious project. Working in collaboration with Kier on behalf of CO-RE and M&G Real Estate, PCE’s specialism has helped ensure sustainable delivery of the impressive city centre development.
One of the key factors that set 'The Fitzrovia W1' apart is the use of PCE's HybriDfMA Frame system solution. This Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) design and build approach is based on the repeatability of an optimised kit of parts. The kit of parts is comprised of a common set of hybrid components, including structural precast concrete and structural steel composite beams, meticulously manufactured offsite under strict factory conditions. The benefits of this modular approach are substantial: reduced waste, deliveries, improved quality, and a significant boost to safety by minimising onsite operations. This has a significant impact by lessening local disturbances. This ensures a reliable, efficient, and environmentally friendly design, manufacture, and build solution.
At 'The Fitzrovia W1,' PCE's experience and expertise in material usage have been instrumental in identifying opportunities to reduce carbon emissions. Use of Ground Granulated Blast-Furnace Slag (GBBS) resulted in a reduced-cement mix that saved 25,000 kilograms of CO2. The project saw further carbon-saving initiatives, such as the use of basalt fiber reinforcement (BFR) for the reinforcement of the non-structural concrete floor topping. Use of BFR instead of steel mesh saved over 30,000 kilograms of CO2. Additionally, prefabricated structural steel beams encased with reinforced concrete with 90% recycled steel saved the project an impressive 237,000 kilograms of CO2.
Beyond material choices, PCE employs electric-powered plant and equipment, such as electric tower cranes and pumps. This reduces noise pollution and onsite disturbances, whilst contributing to greener operations. These sustainable practices align with the project's sustainably-driven design, helping to achieve a BREEAM Outstanding Design rating and a 5-Star Design for Performance NABERS rating, demonstrating adherence to the highest environmental standards.
The Fitzrovia W1 project is a testament to what can be achieved when sustainability is at the forefront of construction. It demonstrates that a commitment to environmental responsibility can go hand in hand with quality, efficiency, speed and safety, and continues PCE’s progressive pursuit of more sustainable practice.
