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Editor’s Choice
SCHÖCK MEETS HIGH LOAD
CANTILEVER WALKWAY CHALLENGE
Kidwells Estate at Maidenhead, in Berkshire, is undergoing major regeneration involving
seven new blocks, which vary from three to six storeys of structural concrete frame. Now
known as Parklands, this landmark £27.1 million project is a scheme for One Housing
and replaces seven 1960s built apartment blocks.
Long cantilever walkways service multiple flats and the unusual design demands
presented a technical challenge for Schöck, who supplied the structural thermal breaks.
The design required as much natural light as possible in the areas around the walkways,
so extensive light wells are introduced at regular intervals along the length of the
galleries – effectively a series of elongated spaces, separating the walkways from the
building for large sections. This means far fewer structural connection points between
the walkways and the building than would normally be anticipated.
The walkways are cantilever concrete construction into internal reinforced concrete
frame; and because of the restricted connectivity point opportunities, the Schöck
structural thermal breaks had to resist a much greater shear load than would be the case
with a more conventional design.
Schöck resolved the various performance issues by designing in its type HPC Isokorb.
It is a product utilised only if horizontal, tension and compression forces are present in
the design – and it is necessary to integrate the type QP90+QP90 Isokorb as well, for
linear or point connection to support high shear loads. The result was a completely
secure thermally insulated load-bearing connection at all the key structural points.
The Schöck Isokorb range provides BBA Certification, LABC Registration and meets
full compliance with all relevant UK building regulations.
A comprehensive 236 page ‘Technical Guide’ is available on request, as is the new free
‘Thermal Bridging Guide’..
Contact Schöck on 01865 290 890 go to www.schoeck.co.uk or email: [email protected]
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