Billington Structures were responsible for the design, fabrication and erection of the steel building frame including long span plate girders and external diagrid to the full perimeter of Plot B7 New Bailey, as delivered under Bowmer + Kirkland. Plot B7, also known as Four New Bailey, is a distinctive 10-story office space that forms an integral part of the vibrant New Bailey commercial core. Pre-let to BT, this iconic Grade A office building, designed by Make Architects, showcases a striking exposed 'diagrid' lattice frame inspired by the nearby River Irwell's bridges.Â
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Challenges
The project faced structural complexity, accommodating a 2.1m diameter sewer passing beneath the building. Through meticulous planning and collaboration, the team optimised structural efficiency, ensuring no additional loading on the sewer or easement. Attention to aesthetics, craftsmanship, and complex diagrid nodes exemplified the team's pride in the project's outcome.
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Achievements
The design of Plot B7 New Bailey was carried out with ‘Design for manufacture’ principals at its core, providing:Â
- Standardisation/specification to maximise fabrication and erection efficiency.
- Working within facility, transport, and erection constraints.
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Using Tekla software
- The adoption of Tekla Structural Designer as the principal design tool provided modelling flexibility and efficient design processes.
- Parametric modeling in Dynamo and Revit enabled rapid assessment of various diagrid options, aligning structural efficiency with architectural intent.
- Tekla Structural Designer's reporting capabilities facilitated information sharing and standardised connection designs.Â
- The use of Trimble Connect enhanced design coordination, clash checking, and IFC file viewing, promoting efficient collaboration among the design team.
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