Wembley Park Plot NE01

Using lean design to reduce embodied carbon on large PBSA scheme

Originally a Quintain PBSA scheme, this 770-room student accommodation with ground-level student amenity is being delivered on behalf of Greystar. Walsh was appointed by Quaintain to provide planning support and has continued on to deliver the sub and superstructure packages alongside the below ground drainage design.

Walsh’s geotechnical team carried out a ground investigation, human health risk assessment and waste assessment to satisfy contaminated land planning conditions, quickly and easily gaining planning sign-off.

Walsh then added significant value to the project by driving the coordination process and buildability into the overall design of the building from early design stages. We took a proactive approach and explored various structural frame options to identify the optimal structural frame.

This evaluation process included using our in-house Embodied Carbon Assessment Tool (ECAT) to assess different column grids in combination with various slab constructions. The final preferred solution was a traditional 225mm RC flat slab with a column grid that stack from foundation to Level 18 which facilitated the building to step back. This resulted in an ECAT value of 169kgCO2e/ m² which is equivalent to LETI rating A. The chosen frame solution is highly efficient whilst complimenting the architectural intent.

A notable challenge involved the design of the primary structure of an open-plan pavilion situated on the Level 01 podium slab. This pavilion, designed for the enjoyment of students, enhances the structure and the light steel frame features a series of portal frames that incrementally increase in height and span.