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35 Lincoln’s Inn Fields Retrofit Building Project
AJ Retrofit Live this week delivered another impressive lineup of speakers and case studies. It was especially interesting to learn more about the design ethos and progress being made at The London School of Economics, 35 Lincoln’s Inn Field.
The FabricSurvey team carried out the retrofit building project investigation in the Autumn of 2023, and seeing the progress made by the team and their ongoing commitment to the net zero transformation is inspiring.
Sustainable Retrofit: Firoz Lalji Global Hub
The redevelopment of 35 Lincoln’s Inn Field into the Firoz Lalji Global Hub, comprises a deep retrofit which has taken a twist on the typical heritage approach to preservation, along with a focus on the recycling and reuse of the building’s original fabric into the new building.
It is also the first of LSE’s buildings to reach Net Zero, Passivhaus and WELL Platinum Certification standards, despite being a retrofit building project.
Retrofit Project Investigations On Key Structural Elements
Particularly impressive to see was the proposal to reuse the masonry bricks from both the internal walls and façade to form the entrance to the Agora Space. The FabricSurvey included careful removal and retrofit testing of brick samples for their compressive strength to inform their suitability for re-use and aid the overall project sustainability goals.
FabricSurveys’ retrofit project investigations were also undertaken on the retained steel frame, floor plates, window lintels, decorative stone façade and balconies where the new teaching facilities in the two-storey vertical extensions will be located.
The progress at the Firoz Lalji Global Hub highlights the potential of sustainable retrofitting in preserving architectural heritage, while also achieving ambitious environmental standards.
I’m excited to see the completed building and am already looking forward to next year’s AJ Retrofit Live conference.
Browse our news page for updates on some of Soiltechnics’ own future projects, or get in touch with a member of our team today at enquiries@soiltechnics.net to learn more about the services we offer.
Dr Matthew Hooper
Director
Soiltechnics was proud to take part in the Franklins 50 Challenge, raising £1377.03 in support of Northampton Hope Centre, a local charity dedicated to providing essential services to vulnerable community members.
The charity fundraising challenge, put together by Franklins Solicitors, has spanned 3 months and involved a series of fundraising activities to turn an initial £50 pledge from Franklins, into as much as possible.
Northampton Hope Centre supports people struggling with homelessness and issues relating to hardship, including addiction, mental health and wellbeing.
By partnering with them, Soiltechnics aimed to not only raise funds but also heighten awareness about the critical issues faced by people in our community.
The Charity Fundraising Challenge
The Franklins 50 Challenge kicked off with a tuck shop, where we could purchase a variety of sweets, chocolate, fruit, crisps and even our lunch! The event was a resounding success, and we may even continue it longer term, in support of the local community.
Following the tuck shop, the team organised a charity football match, with a hugely successful win for Team Soiltechnics.
The largest fundraising activity over the course of the challenge was the sponsored walk, led by our Ground Investigations South Director, Ian Dunkley.
Ian took to the scenic trails of our local area and was joined at various stages along the way by the team, family and friends. He eventually walked over 30 miles and put the head torch to good use in the final stretch!
Other activities included a car boot sale, guess the number of jellybeans in a jar, loaded fries lunch, bespoke merchandise and plant sale.
We rounded the challenge off with a lunchtime make-your-own-pizza event, where we were joined by organisers from Franklins Solicitors – and the sunshine even made an unexpected, but welcome appearance.
Well done to all the team for your efforts and for the fun it brought us all!
Community Impact
The money we have raised from the charity fundraising challenge will significantly impact Northampton Hope Centre’s ability to continue providing crucial services.
The funds will help those affected by homelessness, hunger, and hardship, helping to rebuild lives across the county.
Looking Ahead
Encouraged by the success of this campaign, Soiltechnics is already planning future fundraising initiatives. We are also excited to get involved in the Franklins 50 Challenge for years to come.
For more information about Northampton Hope Centre, visit their website to see how you can support their mission.
For more updates on Soiltechnics, visit our News page to see our latest projects and initiatives or get in touch with a member of our team today at enquiries@soiltechnics.net.
Adjacent to Kings Cross Station and in the vibrant Coal Drops Yard, construction has been in full swing since 2018, and it is exciting to see the UK Google HQ come to life. But the design, ground preparation and ground investigations commenced long before this.
The unique, 11-storey structure, with a triple-storey basement, designed by BIG and Heatherwick Studio comprises adaptable space, and required floors spanning the full width of the building, with internal multi-storey spaces.
The design included impressive triple-storey internal spaces, a column-free western elevation and a notable roof structure with trees. Accordingly, the loads were concentrated and significant.
Challenges With Conventional Foundation Solutions
The conventional foundation solution would use piles terminating within the Thanet Sand Formation. However, this would require piles in excess of 40m long which would be timely and costly.
An alternative approach to investigation techniques and analysis was required, to ultimately limit construction risks.
Pressuremeter Testing Approach
Working with structural engineers AKT II, along with the usual investigation data, the use of pressuremeter testing was advocated within the London Clay as it can provide high-quality data at small strain levels.
Despite the technique being around for decades it is used sparingly within the ground investigation industry. There is still a reliance on Standard Penetration Tests (SPTs) as they can provide multiple data points for a relatively low cost.
In contrast, the pressuremeter takes time and requires more borehole preparation, and there is a reluctance to place reliance on fewer data points for a seemingly higher cost.
Pressuremeter Testing Benefits
The results from the pressuremeter testing indicated that the London Clay was significantly stronger than when estimated through SPTs and laboratory testing.
Accordingly, the foundation design could be leaner, achieving real cost savings and a reduction in concrete with associated carbon savings.
We continue to collaborate with our supply chain to provide innovative solutions. But sometimes it is simply a case of retrieving higher-quality data.
Of course, there is a cost and time implication but the overall benefit speaks volumes. Sometimes less really is more.
Following the publication of the AGS Guide to the Selection of Pressuremeter Testing, Soiltechnics is proud to have provided guidance on the utilisation of various pressuremeter techniques as part of our site investigations around the UK.
Collaborating For Design Efficiency: Soiltechnics and Cambridge Insitu
Soiltechnics has worked closely with Cambridge Insitu over many years bringing design efficiency to many complex foundation challenges.
Working collaboratively with Cambridge Insitu to enable cost-effective testing campaigns, allows Soiltechnics to provide expert advice regarding the specification, correct deployment and interpretation of the pressuremeter test results.
Together, we bring confidence to enable the use of cleaner and more sustainable design solutions.
The Importance of Experienced Investigation Teams
As discussed in the AGS guide, it is important that the investigation team are experienced in the deployment and operation of the various pressuremeters used by Cambridge Insitu.
This is why talking to Soiltechnics at an early stage will help the project design team achieve the best results from the tests.
How We Can Help
If you would like to tap into the extensive experience Soiltechnics can offer and discuss the use of pressuremeters on any project, along with the benefits it may bring, Angus Wilson or Stephen Cragg would love to hear from you.
Contact us at +44(0) 1604 781877 or enquiries@soiltechnics.net to find out more.
Mental Health Awareness Week is more than just an initiative to us – it’s a testament to our commitment to fostering a supportive and healthy work environment.
The Importance of Mental Health Awareness
Mental health issues including anxiety, depression, and stress, affect millions of people worldwide.
According to the World Health Organisation, depression is a leading cause of disability globally. Despite this, the perceived stigma and lack of awareness often prevent individuals from seeking help.
Mental Health Awareness Week is a national initiative that (assuming it is!) aims to break down these barriers, encouraging open conversations and providing resources for those who need it most.
Soiltechnics Approach
We promote mental wellness throughout the year with talks, sign-posting guidance, free access to Headspace, mental health awareness training, regular staff check-ins and more.
This year, Mental Health Awareness Week gave us the opportunity to focus on wellness. We had a different focus each day, featuring a range of mental health awareness week activities for work, designed to educate, support, and engage:
- Mindfulness Monday – An introduction to mindfulness and headspace along with meditation advice and tips, and mindfulness colouring.
- Tea and Talk Tuesday – A chance to step away from our desks and learn more about our colleagues across all sectors.
- Wellness Wednesday – With a gratitude challenge, hydration challenge and some mental health tips.
- Teamwork Thursday – An online escape room encouraging teamwork, communication, fun and inclusivity for all colleagues whether from the office or working from home.
- Fit Friday 🏃♂️ – Deskercise and lunchtime walk
The Impact on Employees
Mental Health Awareness Week received really positive feedback from our people, at all employee levels and work environments.
Many have expressed appreciation for the company’s proactive approach to bringing awareness to mental health, wellness and support.
Looking Ahead
Soiltechnics‘ commitment to mental health does not end with Mental Health Awareness Week.
We will continue our support with 1-to-1 check-ins on well-being, year-round access to supportive services through Vitality, an open door policy to managers and Directors and our independent HR support.
We believe in a healthy work-life balance and always look for ways we can improve our provisions and support our staff.
To find out more about our well-being initiatives and how we support our staff, contact us at enquiries@soiltechnics.net.
