Construction World December 2018

atmosphere in the central meeting hub, with the Casino façade LED lights constantly changing colour.

additional backpropping required at all outrigger positions to handle crane outrigger pressures. An intense crane study was done to ascertain the outrigger positions beforehand, and these were all set out using a surveyor to ensure no errors. Backpropping commenced a few days before the crane was due to establish. The façades were all designed in such a way so as to fit within the overall aesthetic requirements of the Menlyn Maine precinct during daylight hours, and be a playful, vibrant and energetic colour changing façade during the evenings, particularly at the Casino. Here, illuminated slash features were incorporated into the façades. A state of the art Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systemwas designed with the latest energy efficient design principles in mind. Chiller plant was located at the lower level to ensure minimal programme implications on this fast-tracked project. Carbon dioxide sensors were used to regulate the fresh air consumption, and also further reduce total mechanical plant costs. An ice tank at basement level also helps reduce energy consumption on the HVAC system. The Globe Bar feature (weighing an impressive 48 tons) on the Casino building, under the main entrance’s glazed arch, had to be structurally designed in steel tubes – providing support but also not obscuring the view. The glazed façade cladding to the globe bar had to be precisely cut and manufactured in unusual shapes, while still providing a watertight barrier. Quantifiable time, cost & quality The target completion dates were all achieved as per the agreed programmed dates mentioned above. The quality was closely monitored by all, with weekly quality reports issued by the Consultants and being actioned by the relevant contractors. Areas in the Hotel were handed over for direct works- after a sectional works completion standard had been achieved. That is, after all initial snags were remedied. This preliminary and early hand-over to the operator and direct works contractors was done before the overall PC and works completion was achieved for the entire building. Overall the project was delivered on time, within budget and to a very high standard of workmanship. 

Corporate Social Investment Carpet tiles and some furniture used for the site establishment were donated to a local church. Redundant timber off-cuts from slabs for patching were loaded up and taken to local communities. Design innovation All project team designers had to strictly adhere to the modelling and coordination software requirement laid down by the Project Architects (LYT Architecture) i.e. Revit (v2015). Not only was the software essential, but a strict protocol in terms of modelling practices was put into place in order to streamline the coordination process as much as possible and to be 100% compliant, as well as offer complete and transparent access for the client to keep abreast of progress, a first for most of the Consultants involved. This, while challenging, turned out to be crucial for the smooth running of this ultra-fast track project. All information was collaborated and exchanged through a common FTP site in accordance with systematic schedules and updates. Furthermore, many in-house collaboration efforts between engineers and modelers were put in effect for the first time, which allowed them to keep abreast with the constant design and client changes. The Western cube portion of the Hotel was designed in such a way as to be supported off 6 no. raking steel columns, which were concrete filled. These columns start from level 5 and support the first suspended slab qt level 11. Above this, another 4 levels of slabs occur, which house a gym, buffet restaurant & lobby lounge, executive lounge & boardrooms and finally a sunset bar & pool deck. The Arena roof was designed with a diameter of 93,5 metres with a compression ring to which 16 no. trusses connected to. Trusses were manufactured from circular hollow tubing, and were triangular in cross section. All are supported off 16 no. oblong shaped hammerhead steel columns which were concrete filled after the roof was completed. Mobile cranes, up to 220 tons, had to be driven onto the slab to erect certain columns. Slabs had to be back-propped throughout, with

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