Design works for PCE Ltd’s HybridDfMA Frame system for Building B are nearing completion with a total of 778 elements engineered, modelled and detailed. The Assembly waterfront development for property developer Bell Hammer at the heart of Bristol, offers 2,615m² of commercial office space over 7 floors.Structural engineering design works were completed with the DfMA approach at the forefront of the design process in only 16 weeks. Considerations for product repeatability of handrail, temporary access and permanent fixtures helped develop efficient offsite solutions, which benefit the safety, quality and speed of the build.
Harnessing PCE’s intuitive digital systems enabled the PCE internal design team to maximise efficiencies by hitting specific factory casting slots and tracking progress throughout the design and production phases in a fully collaborative BIM environment.
Connectivity throughout the structure utilised PCE’s standard Kit of Parts, with the main focus being the architect’s desire for a high quality, exposed-concrete finish. Alongside this philosophy, PCE utilised the 3D data-rich BIM environment to fully coordinate connections, including intricate details such as where the façade panels hang from the building edge beams.