Thrift Farm Nursery, Buckinghamshire
Project Overview
- Client: Thrift Farm
- Architect: Decade 3 Associates
- Project type: Commercial
- Size of project: Circa 6,000 sq ft single-storey nursery building
- Location: Thrift Farm, Buckinghamshire
Our role
We were appointed to provide structural and civil engineering design services for a 6,000 sq ft single-storey nursery building near Whaddon, Buckinghamshire. Our involvement began after being recommended by the contractor and then directly appointed by the client.
Project requirements and design process
The nursery building was designed as a single-storey braced steel-framed structure spanning 6,000 square feet. The structural foundation consisted of a combination of pad and trench fill foundations, providing robust support for the building.
The ground floor was constructed using a suspended beam and block slab, offering durability and effective load distribution. The roof design featured a metal deck with a green roof finish, enhancing thermal performance and sustainability. A key architectural element of the project was the butterfly-shaped roof, which presented unique structural challenges that required careful engineering solutions.
Civil engineering
The foul drainage system was integrated into the existing network, ultimately discharging into an on-site cesspool. Initially, the original drainage strategy, completed by another party, proposed a large underground storage tank. However, the client expressed a preference for an alternative solution. To align with the client’s requirements and enhance the site’s biodiversity, we designed an above-ground drainage pond instead. This approach not only addressed functional needs but also contributed to the site’s ecological value.
Conclusion
This project highlights the importance of collaborative problem-solving and innovative engineering solutions in commercial developments. By adapting the drainage strategy and ensuring structural integrity while maintaining sustainability, we delivered a practical yet environmentally conscious solution for Thrift Farm’s new nursery building.
– Take a closer look –
I have worked with dbstructural for a number of years and regularly recommend them to our clients. On the Thrift Farm project, they have produced an efficient design, in a timely manner, and have been a great help co-ordinating queries between the Architect, Client and Fabricator, going above and beyond as always! Wayne Creamer | F&W Creamer (main contractor)