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Dorset Lake Avenue, Lilliput
GAP Ltd is providing structural and civil engineering design for this traditional style residential property backing on to Poole Harbour. Working closely with ARC Architects, the basement excavation and groundworks have been coordinated with party wall considerations to improve buildability and reduce costs to the client. Above ground, steel framing has been utilised to the rear of the property to create large open-plan living spaces, with more economical load-bearing masonry to the remainder of the footprint.
Detailed design is currently being undertaken.
The Dorchester Brewery, Dorchester
GAP Ltd is providing multi-stage input on the extensive refurbishment and façade retention of the existing Eldridge Pope Brewery. Built in 1880 and Grade II Listed, the building has been subject to an archive search, detailed structural condition survey, and schemed with the temporary stability/construction sequencing in mind.
The project is currently on site with structural works nearing completion.
The Cosmopolitan, Poole
GAP Ltd is providing structural and civil engineering design for the demolition and redevelopment of 1-3 Commercial Road, including the temporary and permanent retention of the historic façade to the Lloyds Bank building previously on the site. Working closely with Juno Developments and HVC, our design comprises RC frame transfer slab over undercroft parking that supports a light-gauge steelwork frame above. Undertaken completely in Revit, and coordinated with 3D point cloud data and Metsec IFC files, the project is currently on site and due for completion by the end of the year.
La Serena, Canford Cliffs
Recently completed, a contemporary luxury four bedroom residence, set in a private peaceful setting adjoining the renowned Parkstone Golf Course. Extensive glazing floods the open plan double height volume living areas and extends the boundaries of space, both inside the house and within the environment. The house boasts three levels, with a spectacular entertainment terrace, frameless glass balconies overlook the elevated views of the surrounding golf course.
David James Architects & Partners Ltd undertook the design & planning, technical design, interior design and project management for this site.
La Serena has been shortlisted at the 2018 International Design & Architecture Awards, for the Residential £2.5- 5 million (property by value) Award, and was also Highly Commended as Single Unit Development of the Year, for developers Belhaven Homes, at the Premier Guarantee Awards 2017.
Old Coastguard Road, Sandbanks
Working alongside ARC Architects, GAP Ltd is providing structural and civil engineering services for this exciting new residential property on the Sandbanks peninsula. This habourside scheme incorporates a basement swimming pool and gym beneath the contemporary glazed superstructure, requiring secant piling to permit excavation below the groundwater table.
Detailed design is currently underway to allow the project to commence on site.
Salterns Way, Lilliput
GAP has completed structural and civil engineering design services for sixteen new luxury residential apartments at 2 Salterns Way with Fresh Developments. The fully RC framed building sits on piled foundations and is detailed to efficiently support the stepped footprint of the upper floors. The construction method allows curved full-height curtain wall glazing to the penthouse flat overlooking the marina, with the units completed and available for sale.
The White Rooms, Salisbury
GAP Ltd has been working on this multi-phased project since 2016, which involves the sensitive refurbishment of Grade II* Listed brewery buildings dating back to the 15th Century. To the rear of the site, contemporary steel framed extensions have been carefully detailed to preserve the historic structure.
Infinity, Evening Hill
GAP Ltd has completed structural and civil engineering design services for nine new luxury residential apartments overlooking Poole Harbour with Juno Developments. The fully RC framed building is cut back into the existing slope with two basement levels, one of which provides subterranean parking. The penthouse mansard storey is constructed from cranked steel framing with traditional timber joists and rafters.
Chaddesley Glen, Poole
This striking residential project by UX Architects and Beam Contracting boasts stunning views over Poole Harbour and Brownsea Island, with GAP Ltd providing structural and civil engineering services. Cut into a severely sloping site, the approach taken to groundworks and retaining structures has simplified the superstructure build considerably. The superstructure comprises traditional load-bearing masonry, with isolated steel framing for the glazed elevations and feature cladding panels.
Detailed design is complete, with the project currently on site.
Deheers Warehouse, Weymouth, Dorset
Working closely with architects RB Studio, GAP Ltd has been involved in the pre-planning design, existing building condition survey and search for historic record drawings. Using the information gathered, GAP has managed to develop a scheme that retains the majority of the existing Grade II Listed warehouse floor plates (which would otherwise have been replaced) and are proposing to reinstate the historic structure to the remaining footprint. Construction is due to commence late 2019.
Royal Bournemouth Community Hospital, Bournemouth
GAP Ltd is providing the civil and structural engineering work at the Orthopaedics, Eye Unit and Jigsaw Building entrance at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, which commences the 1 February 2021.
These works are in preparation for start of construction for the new Maternity, Children’s, Emergency and Critical Care Centre (MCEC) building and will provide new facilities in the West Wing of the hospital during the construction period.
Poundbury 4.05, Dorchester
GAP Ltd has recently been involved in the design and detailing of two new-build residential blocks (one load-bearing masonry, one steel frame) over an RC basement box car park for Places for People. The scale of the building required a primary movement joint integrated into both the concrete and steel framing, as well as key element design to the GF transfer slab. 3-Dimensional software was efficiently utilised for the analysis of the framed structures and detailing/scheduling of the reinforcement. Construction has recently been completed.
Winchester Sports & Leisure Centre, Winchester
As part of our ongoing work for Willmott Dixon Construction, GAP has provided extensive temporary works design services for the new Sports and Leisure complex being undertaken by Winchester City Council. Through close coordination with the various subcontractors (including Blanchard Wells and Snashall Steel Fabrications) we have managed to facilitate concurrent plant for multiple trades, increasing programme efficiency for the client.
St Paul's House, Winchester
This development, was a comprehensive refurbishment of a prominent City centre office building, along with a new-build extension of 10,000 sq. ft. The project saw the refurbishment of the existing multi-story building to allow the creation of another story onto the building as well as a new rear multi-storey extension.
We undertook the role of both temporary works co-ordinator and temporary works engineer in order to complete this development. We were faced with some challenges during this refurbishment, which included stabilising the existing building whilst the rear elevation was removed, removal of the existing roof to then allow the construction of a new steel frame to provide another floor and new roof, and connecting the new rear structure to the existing whilst working closely with Network Rail to comply with their requirements; as the structure was close to the main London rail line and their property.
We worked closely with the site team from the start to ensure that all Network Rail protocols were met as well as other temporary works engineering designs and ensured that all checks and reviews were carried out correctly.
Mosterton, Mosterton
36 affordable homes delivered at Mosterton with Acheson Construction Ltd and Baker Ruff Hannon LLP for Stonewater Homes UK. Completed in Q4 2019 Gap provided civil and structural design engineering services.
The development comprises 28 houses and eight bungalows. They will include a mix of two, three and four bedroom houses plus one and two bedroom bungalows.
Additional work included work on section 38, 278 and 104. Sectional work for highways and new sewers for adoptions.
Harbour Lofts, Poole
GAP have provided structural and civil engineering design services for this recently completed development on Poole High Street. Working with developers Acorn Property Group and architects RB Studio from an early stage, our involvement ranged from initial Party Wall advice through to detailed design of the RC podium and steel framed upper storeys.
We also undertook temporary works design to assist the contractor during construction stages, completing the comprehensive suite of engineering services offered on the project.
Tomorrow's Museum for Dorset
GAP Ltd worked with Acheson Construction throughout all phases of this project, which progressed from the initial demolition stages all the way through to creating a new exhibition space and feature atrium. Our early input allowed the site preparation work to be coordinated with the conservation and archaeological investigations, which proved invaluable during the discovery of Roman artefacts from the 2nd/3rd century. GAP then subsequently took the project through to practical completion, with complex analysis and RC detailing of the concrete frame and support to the contractor throughout construction.
Swanage Pier,
Swanage Dorset
Working with Greendale Construction, GAP Ltd are preparing the design for the extensive temporary works required for the refurbishment of this 190 year old building. Adjacent to the pier at Swanage, this old building with old salt baths and some areas of reed and plaster ceiling is being modernised as part of the Swanage Pier Trust’s restoration project, which will see the 190 year old building restored and turned into a new visitor centre and café.
The grade II listed Marine Villas is a Georgian villa which originally contained new, fashionable cold salt-water baths, but was soon converted into a private dwelling. The major restoration project has commenced which will undertake a general refurbishment of the existing two storey Marine Villas and alterations to the structure on both levels of the building which all need temporary supports and sequencing.
Working closely with the site team, GAP Ltd. attended site, discussed the sequencing of works and the temporary propping that was required to enable the works to be carried out safely and still be sympathetic to the building with consideration for the baths.
Veolia Waste Transfer Station, Poole
Working with local Contractors Jade Aden and Spetisbury on the construction of this new waste Transfer building in Poole. We also designed the vehicle weigh bridge pit, vehicle wash down bay, 10m high water tank base and the external yard slabs as well as the steel frame and push walls.
The project consisted of a large steel frame, fully clad by Jade Aden, with a highly polished and sealed power floated floor.
The project was completed over a very short period of time to meet the requirements of the lease. Despite its ultimate use as a waste transfer station, the company’s attention to quality was maintained throughout the project.
One of the biggest challenges for the site team was to remove the lower section of a 3 storey 1m thick brick chimney to create a new open space at the ground floor. Coring through the chimney at the first floor and back propping at the ground floor allowed free clear access at the ground floor to allow the team to create new foundations and erect a new steel frame to finally support the upper floor and chimney from the ground floor.
The external toilet block has benefitted from structural alterations to create disabled toilet facilities, and internal layout configuration changes now provide modernised male public toilets, including drainage alterations, new sanitary ware, electrical and piped service alterations. A new doorway through external solid stone walls now provides access to the toilets.
The project has received funding from a number of sources, including the Heritage Lottery Fund, Coastal Community Fund, The Fine Family Foundation, Dorset County Council, Purbeck District Council, Swanage Town Council, trusts and foundations.
Although Swanage Pier itself has existed since 1859, the current pier was opened in 1897, with the Swanage Pier Trust acquiring it 1994. The Marine Villas originally contained new, fashionable cold salt-water baths, before being converted into a private dwelling.
Wilton Hill, Salisbury
GAP Ltd is proud to have provided Civil and Structural engineering design services for the new Veterans home in Wilton, Salisbury.
The Wilton Hill scheme at the former Erskine Barracks, will see the UK’s first purpose-built campus for service veterans.
Based near a railway line and on a sloping site, this multi-storey building with shops is already under construction and is the first of it’s type in the UK.
Our Wilton Trust describes the project, “The veterans’ development at Wilton Hill is part of a larger, mixed use development of the former Erskine Barracks, HQ Land Forces which will be remembered and celebrated throughout the development.” Residents will begin moving into the facility in Autumn 2018.
The service veteran’s apartment Block A is formed as a ‘U’ shaped building and arranged around a central courtyard to form a semi-private amenity space with public green and spaces for vegetable gardens. Red brick, black brick and slates have been used, which are in keeping with the neighbouring housing and local vernacular buildings. Some areas of contemporary flint panel are used to give emphasis to keynote corners/entrances etc.
This special project was officially opened by Sophie, Countess of Wessex and recognised on BBC South Today recently giving exposure all across the South about this vital new development and the help and support it will be offering those leaving the armed forces.
Bournemouth Hospital, Bournemouth
GAP Ltd provided the civil and structural engineering design of a new CT Scanner room to be added to The Royal Bournemouth Hospital. The site proved to be tight and complex, however GAP overcame these issues and worked to incorporate the existing services and drains.
GAP Ltd Director Jay comments “GAP is proud to work on projects such as this, to improve the care given to local, Dorset patients. The project provided challenges we were pleased to be able to accommodate.”
Content courtesy of mags4dorset.co.uk
Forest Walk, Bucks Horn Oak
Construction of an exclusive collection of homes in Bucks Horn Oak, near Farnham, in the delightful South Downs National Park. The project is being delivered by GAP and F E Chase on behalf of Metis Homes.
Forest Walk will stand on the grounds of the former Holtleigh House – a detached home that has been vacant for some 20 years and is in a neglected condition. Forest Walk occupies a spacious plot, which will allow for the construction of 11 new homes; eight detached properties for private sale and three affordable terrace homes.
Located near the magnificent Alice Holt Forest, the homes will provide residents with great amenities on their doorstep including walking and cycle paths, an activity centre and café, and areas for play and picnics.
The village also has a pub.
Metis Homes will deliver sensitively designed homes that fit in architecturally with other properties in the locality.
Adam O’Brien, Managing Director at Metis Homes, commented: “Bucks Horn Oak is a delightful village five miles south of Farnham and we’re pleased to be delivering homes here that will transform a run-down, vacant property into 11 new homes.”
Headley House, Grayshott
A collection of nine beautifully appointed 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartments with private parking; in one of Hampshire’s most desirable villages, surrounded by beautiful countryside.
The Grayshott site benefits from a tranquil, yet well connected location, combined with the traditional and contemporary design. Located on a sloped site, this luxury block of flats benefits from an undercroft car park at the rear of the property, affording the luxury of two allocated parking spaces for each apartment. Working with Amiri Construction to deliver this for Metis Homes.
Perry Leete from Peter Leete & Partners Grayshott, the agents appointed to handle sales for Weston Grove, said: “ The open plan layout and benefits of living across one floor has real appeal, plus with the winter months soon upon us, these virtually maintenance free homes will also be far more energy efficient than older homes, and likely to offer considerable savings on heating bills.”
Adam O’Brien, Managing Director at Metis Homes, said: “Grayshott is a highly desirable village with all the picturesque attributes you would expect from the Hampshire countryside, but with the travel connections reminiscent of a main town or city. Finished to a high specification with designer kitchens plus Neff appliances and white goods, fully fitted bathrooms and en suites and flooring throughout, all that’s left to do is move in and enjoy.”
This project involves the design and construction of a block of 9 two bedroom apartments. The homes of timber frame construction will replace a demolished office block and are intended for private sale and social housing. Works commenced in January 2017 and were completed in August 2017, making this the third contract carried out and completed for Metis Homes in as many years.
Old Station Park,
Sutton Scotney
GAP is currently undertaking structural engineer work for the Old Station Park development at Old Station Yard, Sutton Scotney.
GAP Ltd are working with Amiri on their 4th project with Metis Homes. This contract involves the design and construction of 19 houses and 8 flats including associated external works on the vacant Old Station Yard site in Sutton Scotney. This exciting project started last April, with the majority being for private sale upon completion in Spring 2018. The dwellings are designed to fit in with the surrounding village in style and character, with external finishes including traditional stock brick and stained timber boarding, slate and plain clay tile roof materials and painted timber windows.
Rousillion Barracks,
Chichester, Sussex
GAP Ltd has been working for Acheson Construction over several years as their civil and structural engineers.
This development of 252 residential dwellings in a mix of 2 and 3 storey houses and apartments at the former Rousillon Army Barracks site in Chichester, West Sussex has been delivered over 5 main phases of work. Acheson has been the preferred contractor for developer ZeroC Holdings and worked closely with the developer on project costs during the detailed planning submission phase, advising on design, build-ability issues, value engineerign and life cycle costing.
The initial phase of work included a significant demolition works package. Acheson took full control of these works having responsibility for pre-commencement planning condition discharge and liaison with specialist consultants including archaeologist, ecologist and arboriculturalist.
All properties on the development were built to meet the Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4, Lifetime Homes and Secured by Design standards. The development incorporates sustainable and renewable technologies including bio-mass district heating, photovoltaics and rainwater harvesting as well as high levels of insulation.
Information courtesy of Acheson Construction.
Martello Road South, Branksome Park
Stunning four double bedroom residence set in Branksome Park, Poole. This luxurious home has been designed to take full advantage of the south facing rear garden with the use of extensive floor to ceiling glazing to the rear of the property. The ample terrace, that almost encompasses the ground floor, allows for in / out living in this spectacular sylvan setting.
The design is traditional with a contemporary edge, with clean lines, a pitched roof, and contemporary materials that are subtle and from a muted palate. The perceived height and massing of the dwelling was carefully considered during the design process, resulting in the house appearing as a two storey property from the front.
David James Architects undertook the design & planning, technical design, interior design and project management for this site.
Article courtesy of David James Architects & Partners Ltd, explore their portfolio, Facebook or LinkedIn.
Images courtesy of Luxury & Prestige Realty.
Nuffield Hospital, Bournemouth
Refurbishment and creation of a double recovery bedroom with disable access at this private hospital.
Changes to the existing structure included temporary works and supporting roof mechanical plant units to create the new rooms at the first floor.
Remedial work was also carried out to the existing structure where previous defects had not been addressed.
Blanford Community Hospital, Blandford Forum, Dorset
Refurbishment of a section of the hospital to create an E.O.L. Unit.
The design had to incorporate bariatric patients and their respective lifting equipment.
Our design had to be flexible as the initial feasibility which was supported from the existing roof trusses structurally was not viable, an alternative which comprised of a light weight steel frame was adopted and successfully installed.
Poole Hospital, Poole
GAP Ltd has been the preferred Structural Engineer for the hospital for several years, working on several arears of the main hospital and maternity building.
Projects such as designing of the new emergency departure extension through to new x-ray equipment support, new cardiology extension and the multi million pound refurbishment of the maternity building. Several extensions over the years and detailed knowledge of the structure and the many basements, sub-basement and new build over have been useful from preparing feasibilities to full design and also repairs.
Ladybird Unit Extension
This development forms an extension too the Ladybird Unit providing a breast screening facility.
The extension was formed using a steel frame, independent of the existing building. The foundations were carefully located between a large quantity of services requiring accurate location surveys. The new stair tower has been designed to serve a future third level.
Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch
Work recently completed on the new main entrance, which lies on the intersection of the new and existing hospital and over the footprint of a demolished two storey masonry building.
Existing and new drains and services were incorporated into the design of the new single storey steel framed building. We reused as much of the existing foundations, where possible, and upgraded the existing concrete floor slab to which the new building slab abutted and joined.
The building shape with is curved, complex geometry, successfully married into the existing and new structures. Full height glazing was used as the façade of the new and was connected to the steel frame.
At the intersection of the buildings, additional details and procedures to ensure safe connectivity between the three buildings had to be carefully managed.
New roads, parking bays, below ground drainage and hard landscaping had to be designed taking into account the existing design and new design over the footprint of a demolished two storey building.
Littledown Leisure Centre, Bournemouth
Littledown Centre, Bournemouth has been refurbished and renovated without closing the centre, which currently attracts 1.2m visitors a year. The 10-month project was completed over seven phases with the Littledown Centre remaining open throughout.
The work included building a 320sqm single-storey gym extension at the back of the centre car park. It consisted of a steel frame and brick-block infill panels to match the existing building and deigned to cater for another level in the future if required.. Structural beams were produced to match the appearance of the existing structure. All Designed by GAP Ltd.
Phase one of work on the existing gym involved stripping out the existing ceilings to create higher ceilings; forming openings in the existing walls to create an open plan feel; and installing steelwork to support the walls.
New windows were added to provide more daylight in the open plan gym and new lighting and power was installed together with a new ventilation and cooling system.
Phase two consisted of similar work on the reception gym, with a lower ceiling and finishes to match the rest of the gym. The combined size of the gym extensions and refurbishments came to 980sqm. Existing offices were also stripped out and dividing walls taken down to form one large open plan office. The old offices were turned into first floor studios build in two phases. GAP Ltd were also the Temporary work Engineers for the project.
St Johns Sport's Hall, Woking
Full structural Design of a new Sports Hall and Ancillary Building for St. John’s The Baptist School, Woking. The two buildings are linked by a single storey covered area.
The Sport Hall is a 7.8m tall steel frame. The steel trusses were designed by GAP Ltd and are 28m wide and are required to cater for suspended, retractable basketball hoops and boards, full height cricket netting as well as the normal services but also a trampoline rope safety system. The hall walls had to be flush and flat with no internal projections to allow for balls to bounce off correctly. At the rear of the building a first floor was created to cater for the new plant area to service this and the new ancillary building. The roof has a bank of PV cells.
The Ancillary building is a two storey steel frame building, complying with the requirements of disproportionate collapse. this building has change rooms and class room on the ground floor and has on the first floor a fitness and Aerobics room. Compliance with sound, weight impact as well as vibration and natural frequency of the building were carried out successfully in accordance with the client’s requirements.
Mey House,
Poundbury Dorchester
This project is a 5500m office development with underground parking won the 2008 South West Region LABC for ‘Best Commercial Building’. In the national awards the project was runner up to Wembley Stadium.
The main structure was formed using a steel frame with composite floor systems. A contiguous piled retaining wall was required at one end due to the close proximity of the building to the existing road.
Yaffle Care Home,
Broadstone, Dorset
This forty-two bed care home is built over four floors; the development is a high quality traditional build.
Although some challenges were presented by the project, such as the topography of the site, and the need to construct large retaining walls in the basement area, these were effectively dealt with and completion was within the allotted eighteen month schedule.
All bedrooms are attractively furnished with facilities and ceiling hoists to assist with the safe and comfortable movement of less mobile residents.
Archbishop Wake,
Blandford, Dorset
The building was constructed with a tiled trussed roof, precast concrete floors at all levels generally supported on load bearing masonry and steel frames.
Due to the internal ground floor in the communal areas, it was necessary to introduce a steel framed structure to provide a transfer slab at first floor level.
The three storey building recently completed offers living facilities for people with social and speech needs. Arrangement at first floor level.
Other structural challenges that had to be overcome included constructing the building adjacent an old railway line embankment as well as accommodating the below ground drainage within a congested foundation layout.
Poole High School,
Poole, Dorset
Science Block: New two storey science extension block to the existing structure. Diversion of main gas main and existing live sewers was part of the contract. The client wanted the structural format as previous but with the structure now being a class 2B structure the masonry had to adjust to include reinforcement within the masonry and new tying details between the masonry and precast concrete unites in order to comply with the “new” regulations.
Arts Block: New steel framed Arts building. The structure is a braced box on strip foundations. A mezzanine floor are part of the the building with a high level northern light added to the complexity of the stability of the structure.
A new adjoining corridor allowed the new building to the existing meant a partial demolition of the existing structure to allow free flowing access between the buildings.
Poole Learning Support Centre, Poole, Dorset
Proposed three storey school building set on a terraced site. The building is to be steel framed with precast concrete widespan floor systems.
The structural brief includes initial investigation works on the site to obtain information on contamination, existing retaining walls and ascertain the location of the mains sewers, attending feasibility workshops, preparation of Tender Drawings and full design and detailing for construction purposes. Site inspections during construction are also required.
The Civils brief is to design all new below ground drainage and the connections to the existing mains sewer.
The Client requires the building to be constructed to the BREEAM standard of Very Good Quality.
The Tralee Hotel,
Bournemouth, Dorset
A long standing hotel which has evolved over time has been double in size by incorporating a large steel framed extension and adding two further floors, forming bedroom and penthouse flats. The project which cost in the order of approximately £3.5m provides another Travel lodge hotel in Bournemouth.
Viking Long House,
Cranborne, Dorset
Queen Mother Square, Poundbury, Dorset
This development, opposite the proposed Queen Mothers Square, center piece to Poundbury, Consists of three separate buildings over a single 55m x 70m basement.
Building 6 & 7 consist of ground floor offices with three storeys of social housing flats above. The ground floor structure consists of steel frame (two storey frame including basement) with traditional load bearing masonry, precast floor slabs forming the flats.
Building 5 is a full steel frame structure design compositely with metal deck RC floors. (six storeys high maximum). The ground floor will consists of a supermarket, with a pannier market and various other shops when occupied. The upper floors to this building will be offices.
There is also a cast insitu reinforced concrete service yard ‘bridge’ structure that spans over the basement, between the two buildings to allow loading access using articulated lorries to the rear of the shops.
Lambs Passage,
Barbican, London
Commencing January 2008 this project is an eight storey building with 79 residential flats and commercial unites on the ground floor.
The building is to have piled foundations with suitable RC ground beams and pile caps. The foundation scheme is made more complex due to existing piles from the previous building and an existing listed basement.
The superstructure is to be an RC frame with a RC flat slab construction. RC shear walls provide stability.
Alderholt Chapel, Alderholt
12/12a Lagoon Road,
Poole, Dorset
Completed in 2012, this project consists of three detached three storey properties which back onto the waterfront in Poole bay.
The house generally consists of masonry construction with precast concrete floors. Steelwork framing has been used at ground floor level to provide a clear span, and open living area and to achieve the large areas of glazing facing the sea.
Insitu reinforced concrete was introduced where necessary to form the feature curved staircases and landing slabs.
The foundations were piled due to the poor ground conditions adjacent to the bay. Insitu RC ground beams were installed between piles to support the superstructure.
The sea wall was also partially replaced with a simple scheme of stone gabions on a ‘reno mattress’. This solution was environmentally friendly to the sea bed and hence approved by the Environment Agency and Harbour Commissioners.
8 Bingham Avenue,
Poole, Dorset
Completed 2011, This three-storey luxury house by David James Architects and Partners Ltd has rooms formed in the roof structure and an external swimming pool at the rear of the property.
The building is generally of masonry construction with engineered timber joist floors. Steelwork has been used to enhance the structure where necessary to achieve the large open areas and the expanse of glazing and help frame the room in roof construction.
The main feature staircase is curved with the treads cantilevering off the side wall giving them the impression that they are floating.
5 Bingham Avenue,
Poole, Dorset
Completed 2012, this two-storey luxury house by David James Architects & Partners Ltd has an internal swimming pool at the rear of the property.
The building is generally of masonry construction with precast concrete floors. Steelwork has been used to enhance the structure where necessary to achieve the large open areas and the expanse of glazing. The swimming pool and the surrounding floor slab have been formed using waterproof reinforced insitu concrete including recesses for a built-in pool cover. There is a partial basement plant room under the swimming pool also formed in insitu reinforced concrete. There is a feature lift shaft in the building which has a glass facade to two sides and hence has insitu RC walls to the remaining sides.
2 Minterne Road, Poole, Dorset
Completed in late 2013, this luxury house by David James Architects & Partners Ltd is four storeys high including a partial basement. The building is a hybrid of masonry and steel frame construction with precast concrete floors. Insitu reinforced concrete was introduced where necessary to form a transfer slab over the garage and the featured curved staircase and landing slabs.
The cantilever balconies have been formed using a steel skeleton in-filled with timber. The basement structure was formed using a reinforced concrete cavity masonry retaining walls, traditionally tanked. The retaining wall sprung from an insitu RC ground slab on traditional foundations.
Panorama Road,
Sandbanks, Poole
The project which is located in a prime position on the Sandbanks peninsular offers two semi-detached properties. The four storey properties with intricate architecture details, has required significant structural input including curved featured staircases and cantilever balconies to the rear of the property to provide views across to poole.
Rosewood School, Southampton
Built on the footprint of a coach yard, this £4 million pound single storey steel framed SEN school has been designed for the children and their specialist needs in mind. A large single storey flat roof with a central raised glazed area has been designed for thermal efficiency and also to cater for the requirement of medical hoists to be used throughout the school. Large glazed elevations within the classrooms allow these children visual stimuli to the external environment. Specialist areas to recharge mobility vehicles were incorporated into the design as well as solar panels on the roof.
A Steel frame was utilised to support the precast concrete slab roof. The frame was supported on a series of concrete ring beams which in turn were supported on Circular Helical Displacement piles thus reducing the need to remove spoil from site from the old coach yard.
Bourne Valley Community Hub, Poole
GAP Ltd has worked closely with Footprint Architects to deliver the design for a new Community Hub to serve the Bourne Valley region. The project is funded by donations to the Poole Communities Trust, a registered charity who aim to help disadvantaged neighbourhoods in the area.
The project includes a new nursery setting alongside a larger youth centre building providing leisure and catering facilities. The structure took various forms over its life cycle, initially starting as a steel framed 2 storey combined structure and eventually changing to 2 separate single storey load bearing masonry structures to keep costs within the charity’s budget and offer best value for money to the charity and its donors.
There were various engineering challenges encountered throughout the project which required innovative solutions. The foundations were particularly challenging as the ground was unsuitable for traditionally formed strip and pad foundations and high groundwater presented a constraint for any large-scale excavation works. GAP Ltd presented an option for ground improvement via vibro stone columns, which would allow foundations to be cast to a shallower and more constructible depth.
Following design development and financial considerations, it was eventually decided to adopt a piled raft slab for both buildings; this consisted of a 300mm thick RC slab, which GAP Ltd designed, spanning onto 350mm diameter piles designed by specialist.
Imagery courtesy of Footprint Architects.
Bobby and Co, Bournemouth
GAP continues to provide structural engineering services on the multi-phased redevelopment of the former Debenhams building on Bournemouth square. Under the original 1915 branding of Bobby and Co, the building has already been partially reopened in the Summer of 2021, with a beauty hall, food court, art gallery, microbrewery and ice cream parlous planned in the future stages of works.
The project is the latest in a long line of GAP reinvigorating existing local buildings, with our recent involvement in additional storeys to buildings on Christchurch Road and Holdenhurst Road. The strong design team and visionary client on this particular scheme mean that this landmark development will be a success.
Canford School
Since 2019, GAP has been supporting architects Williams Lester with the recent successful planning application for the latest phase of potential development at Canford School to improve the facilities application for the Sixth Form provision within a refurbished 1930's building immediately adjacent to the Grade 1 listed Manor house. Our input on structural and civil engineering has been pivotal in the initial logistics planning and VE exercises, resulting in efficient and integrated layouts that reflect the curtilage of the historic school and retain key features of the existing structure. The design team is currently in the final phases of RIBA Stage 3.
Eating Disorder Unit, St Anns Hospital
GAP has been working with Medical Architecture on the design of a new Eating Disorders Unit at St Ann's Hospital, Poole. The construction will be a steel-framed structure with a concrete-filled metal deck at the first-floor level to accommodate staff offices, therapy rooms and a multipurpose space.
The ground floor, which will house service user bedrooms and clinics, will be constructed using a piled raft solution. Due to existing trees and root protection requirements, the piled raft will be cast above ground level to allow surface water to reach root networks and maintain the remaining trees via a surface water irrigation system.
