MMC 52pp M10 WEB

ARTICLE
COLLABORATION
IS THE KEY TO
CREATIVE
STRUCTURAL
SOLUTIONS
By Wayne Yeoman’s, Head of
Marketing at B&K Structures.
The structure of a building is integral to
its success: choosing the right material
and method of construction can affect
everything from the finished project’s BREEAM
rating to the return on investment. Getting it
right from the beginning is crucial.
With potential legislation changes pending,
working with a partner you can trust is just as
important than the final choice of the
structural frame solution. An experienced
structural specialist is ideally placed to work
alongside architects, main contractors and
even the end client to deliver a successful
scheme that meets regulations and exceeds
expectations for all involved.
At B&K Structures, we have a long history of
innovation to ensure that our projects will
stand the rigours of time, conform to
legislation, offer environmental benefits and
meet the design challenges.
Our commitment to innovation means we think
beyond the structural frame, moving forward
towards more frame and envelope solutions
which will include full system testing from the
outset ensure that our products interact with
all elements of the building.
The options
Different projects call for different solutions,
and we work closely with designers and our
supply chain partners to deliver the correct
result.
We always look for ways we can add value to
projects – whether it’s reducing the load on the
foundations whilst gaining additional storey
heights, or maximising floor space to create
airy interiors. Certain materials lend
themselves to applications more than others.
46 MMC
Nov 2018 M10
Greener structures
For projects where sustainability and reducing
environmental impact is a key target,
engineered timber is the best option, and we
remain fully behind our cross laminated timber
(CLT) and glulam offering. Our timber products
are fully PEFC or FSC certified, and the carbon
is locked into the building rather than released
to the atmosphere.
Timber is the only truly renewable construction
material, and when combined with offsite
construction methods, CLT’s impact on a
project’s sustainability is impressive –
especially where there are carbon reduction
targets in place.
Using CLT as a structural material will lower
the overall mass of the building, having a
positive impact on foundation and piling design,
reduces construction programmes and allow
follow on trades to the start much sooner in
the process then traditional build solutions.
CLT also brings forward fewer site personnel,
fewer deliveries, all helping to have a positive
impact on the local community during the
construction phase.
Reduced costs, reduced time on-site, and
increased return on investment makes CLT a
future heavyweight in residential construction.
Glulam is a structural element that is used in
both vertical columns and in roofing trusses
and supports. In terms of performance, it is
comparable to light gauge steel frames and
reinforced concrete structures whilst being,
respectively, more sustainable and
considerably lighter.
Where steel works
Where space and floor areas are a priority, we
encourage our clients to consider steel. We
have over 35 years’ experience in structural
steel, so for projects which require open, airy
spaces with uninterrupted square footage on
the ground, we know that steel is often the best
solution.
Steel structures use slim columns and large
unsupported spans and are ideal for new build
projects and refurbishments. What’s more, our
offsite construction methods allow us to
accommodate changes to the design during
construction, and its lightweight nature means
it can be installed quickly.
When we couple a steel frame with CLT floor
decks on commercial builds, we begin to see a
very compelling argument.
At B&K Structures our extensive use of BIM
modelling cuts down on waste during the
manufacturing of the glulam element, and our
offsite construction methods with factorycontrolled
conditions allow us to create the
glulam structural elements with minimal onsite
contact.
And with the option to combine CLT or glulam
with steel elements as part of a hybrid
structure, we can help to control costs, create
innovative solutions and improve the
environmental impact and aesthetic of
buildings in equal measure.
Whatever the project, we can work with our
partners to devise a long-lasting structural
solution that not only ticks all the boxes but
safeguards the development for the future.
www.bkstructures.co.uk