LIGHTSTEELFRAMINGMAGAZINE.CO.UK18

CASE STUDY

RAPID RESPONSE REQUIRED

FOR INTENSIVE CARE UNITS

CENTRED AROUND MODERN METHODS OF

CONSTRUCTION (MMC), TEKBUILD OFFER A

WIDE VARIETY DESIGN, ENGINEERING, PROJECT

MANAGEMENT AND INSTALLATION SERVICES.

LIGHT STEEL FRAME (LSF) AS AN ADVANCED

OFFSITE TECHNOLOGY IS TEKBUILD’S CORE

STRUCTURAL SOLUTION.

Along with light steel frame infill and loadbearing systems, the steel subcontractors also specialise in hybrid structures which combine the efficiency of cold and hot rolled steel – delivering a rapid, robust and cost-effective solution. Working nationwide, Tekbuild are subcontract installers for numerous light steel frame suppliers.

As part of their COVID-19 response programme, Hull Royal Infirmary urgently required two new intensive care units. Tekbuild managed the installation of the structure which encompassed a hot rolled steel ‘skeleton’ frame with two-storeys of LSF loadbearing wall panels on the side elevations and a light steel frame infill system for the gable adjoining the existing building.

Tekbuild also installed floor and roof cassettes which measured 12m x 3m and were pre-fitted with Lewis Deck for the floors and Oriented Strand Board (OSB) for the roofs. Wall panels were factory fitted with Y-Wall, a BBA Certified A1 non-combustible sheathing board. Steel stairs were also installed as part of the build.

The structure which is central to the hospital site is bordered on three sides by existing intensive care units together with medical and surgical wards with the fourth side being a ‘blue light run’ for access to the accident and emergency department for ambulances.

Andy Scholes, Managing Director at Tekbuild points out that although pre-planning is always crucial to offsite

construction it was vitally important for the successful installation of this project.

“This was a particularly interesting install due to the nature of the hybrid structure. The wide diversity and size of components within the build proved challenging such as the LSF panelised system integrated with loadbearing floor and roof cassettes.

“The very location within a confined site, immediately adjacent to an active healthcare facility that was under severe pressure – required an extremely considerate and sensitive approach. In addition, our team had to contend with the pressure of the short build programme due to the urgent need for the completion of the wards. Due to great planning from our project managers together with a concerted and dedicated effort by our site team, we completed the install to programme in just four weeks.”

Paul Hutchinson Company Director added: “Due to the successful installation of this project we are now moving straight onto a second building for the same client and hospital trust.”

For more information visit:www.tekbuildlimited.co.uk