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.