The Brentford Project

Client: Dearneside Fabrications Developer: Ballymore Group

The Brentford Project, a landmark development by Ballymore Group, is redefining West London’s waterfront with a vibrant mix of residential, retail, and leisure spaces. Shepherd Gilmour (SG) was privileged to contribute to this transformative project, bringing our structural design expertise to bear as a Designer under the CDM 2015 regulations.

Proactive Design for Exceptional Results

Working alongside our client, Dearneside Fabrications, and consultants, OCSC, SG adopted a proactive and collaborative approach to design. Our commitment to efficiency and diligence ensured seamless compatibility with other designers and contractors involved in the project. Leveraging code-driven design principles, we utilised Eurocodes, BS 8579:2020, and BS 6180 to ensure compliance, safety, and efficiency in every aspect of our work. We went beyond the brief, identifying opportunities to refine concept designs, such as improving the detailing of connections and tie rods to stiffen the balconies with minimal steel weight penalty.

Additionally, by employing advanced parametric modelling and finite element analysis, we optimised steel thicknesses, increasing it only where necessary. These improvements led to significant time and cost savings without compromising quality or aesthetics, and they were embraced by the project team, demonstrating our ability to add tangible value.

Scope of Design Responsibilities

Our comprehensive design responsibilities included:

Balcony Packages: Designing balcony structures for several apartment blocks across the site, featuring large cantilever projections exceeding 5 metres. Many of these balconies were bespoke, adding unique character to the development while adhering to BS 8579:2020 standards for balconies and terraces.

Secondary Steelwork & Architectural Metalwork: Creating intricate designs for staircase structures, feature balustrades, podium steelwork, and fire barrier supports, aligning with the requirements of BS 6180 for guarding and balustrades.

Bespoke Connection Details: Developing innovative solutions for moment-connected cellular beams and post-fix reinforced concrete anchorage details for various building structures across the site. Many of these connections required non-standard design approaches beyond typical "Green Book Details" due to unique constraints.

Overcoming Complex Challenges

A key challenge of the project was supporting the large cantilever balconies, which required careful attention to deflection performance and wind load resistance. SG addressed this through:

• Conducting design workshops and reviews with the client and principal designer.

• Utilising moment stub connections and ties to achieve the required performance.

• Optimising the balcony grillage to balance mass and stiffness against cost, while adhering to Eurocode guidelines for structural integrity and stability.

  
  

These solutions ensured the balconies not only met stringent performance criteria but also aligned with the architect’s striking vision for the development.

Deliverables and Outcome

SG delivered comprehensive calculation reports, ensuring full compliance with Eurocodes, and general arrangement drawings with exceptional clarity and precision. The results speak for themselves:

• Smooth site works with no significant issues during construction.

• A finished product that exudes high-end appeal, with unique architectural elements seamlessly integrated.

• Balconies and steelwork that enhance the visual and functional impact of The Brentford Project.

  
  

Conclusion

Our involvement in The Brentford Project exemplifies SG’s ability to deliver innovative, efficient, and high-quality structural designs for complex developments. By prioritising collaboration, ingenuity, and meticulous attention to detail, we played a pivotal role in bringing Ballymore Group’s vision to life. This case study underscores our capacity to tackle demanding projects and exceed client expectations, making us a trusted partner for businesses seeking exceptional structural engineering solutions.