Projects - Archbishop Thurstan School City Learning Centre

This landmark building provides a high quality learning environment for the whole community.

This building is the first in an initiative by Hull City Council Learning Services to provide modern hi-tech learning space in areas where new skills are required.

The building can be described as a spiral and resembles the shape of a shell with a curved shape on plan and differing roof levels all round.

A steel frame supports the curved roof and provides restraint for the masonry walls. Piled foundations and reinforced concrete ground beams were required.

Although the building has many special features and can be considered as a 'one off', the cost of the structure was kept within a strict level of expenditure.

The structure was modelled on 3D Structural Analysis Software with 3D drawings being available to the design team to allow visual realisation of the design concept.

Structural design and detailing for the building was carried out in close liaison with the Building Designer to ensure the vision of the building became a reality.

Foundation design utilises conventional strip and pad foundations on firm clay subsoil but due to the presence of mature trees the foundations were deepened to guard against clay shrinkage or heave.

Careful checking of the masonry walls was carried out to ensure that brickwork was adequately restrained by the structural frame.