An array of design techniques and options were reviewed, but to
minimise disruption to neighbouring properties, and to ensure
the site remained accessible at ground level it became clear that
the rarely used ‘top down’ construction method was the most
appropriate solution. Contiguous piles were installed very close
to the boundary walls in order to form new perimeter basement
walls and build from the ground up while the basement was
simultaneously being cut.
Symmetrys worked with the architect to set the proposed ground
level at a height that prevented any undermining of the perimeter
walls following the installation of the perimeter pile cap/beams
and ground slab. The ground slab was specially designed to
accommodate an increased imposed load of construction traffic
for when it was in a temporary condition. Symmetrys therefore
gave careful consideration to the temporary location of the
sacrificial plunge piles and set out their location for the contractor.
This is key to successful top down construction, where thought
must be given to how the structure behaves in both a temporary
and permanent condition.
With the temporary piles and the ground slab in place the
basement could be cut via a large void in the ground slab,
while the superstructure was simultaneously erected from the
ground floor level up. This significantly sped up the construction
programme. Careful thought was given to formwork layouts on the
underside of the ground floor slabs so quality concrete finishes
could be exposed in the completed structure, echoing the design
of Maison de Verre. Once the ground floor was cast the basement
cut commenced through the perimant double height void and the
superstructure was erected at the same time.
StructureS echoing maiSon de verre and maximiSing
architecturaL SpLendour - Designed in 1932 Maison de Verr e
was hailed as a landmark in early modern architecture. A primary
reason for this was its displays of exposed framework, industrial
and mechanical fixtures under the transparency of its façade. The
honesty of building materials and the variable transparency of
forms was a key feature. Eglon House reverberates this philosophy
through the transparency of its structure which provides the
building’s main aesthetic. Symmetrys designed steel columns
and concreate soffits to be intentionally exposed both internally
and externally clearly displaying the property’s mechanics, while
polished concreate slab floors are another notable feature.
Now fully complete, Eglon House is already becoming an
engineering and architectural landmark in this part of London.
The finished product is testament to what innovative engineering
solutions can deliver in the face to tough site constraints.
www.symmetrys.com
The finished product is testament
to what innovative engineering
solutions can deliver in the face to
tough site constraints