Location: Kidbrooke, London (circa. 2019)
Design Brief: Phase 3 / Block D Metalwork Package
CAD System: AutoCad Advance Steel
Kidbrooke is part of a broader residential redevelopment strategy undertaken by Berkeley Construction in South East London. For the Third Phase Block D section of this project I was tasked as the lead metalwork designer and with further design coordination.
The redevelopment comprised five main residential buildings of varying height which share a communal green space on a raised podium. At street level there are a number of generous retail spaces.
My role was to fully expand design on the balustrades at the podium level (metal and glass); the main entrances to apartment blocks; retail space canopies; car park and BoH metalworks including the automated gates as well as any other miscellaneous metal works that could fall under our scope of works as the project progressed. Simultaneously ensuring the design was harmonious within this project and previous phases.
The Substation doors were easily one of the biggest design challenges. The subcontractor responsible for substation louvre doors wasn’t able to manufacture the doors or the system because it was just too big, the structure was way outside the scope of what any louvre company could provide.
The door needed to be robust and secure (SR2), but like any other substation it needed to facilitate removal of the UKPN transformers for maintenance. To solve this issue I proposed incorporating a hybrid approach.
The main structure would be adapted to normally be bolt fixed in it’s closed position with louvre panels set into the frame work. During maintenance they could unbolt the doors around the perimeter and they would swing open through 180 degrees to allow unimpeded access to the substation.
By incorporating hidden proprietary hinges arranged in a unique way, meant that all areas were able to meet strict ‘secure by design’ criteria whilst also meeting the UKPN maintenance requirements. A clear win for everyone.
