Case study

Admirals Quay, Southampton

Client: Wilson Bowden City Developments Ltd
This landmark development includes 400 apartments with integrated private parking arranged in 7 blocks of up to 13 stories around a public open space. At ground level the waterside development includes 12 retail and restaurant units overlooking the marina fronted by a Grade II listed sea wall. The development includes affordable housing units and links to the city's highway, bus and cycle networks.

Added value
Flat slab construction resulted in an economic column layout on the first building, and allowed an additional floorplate to be built within strict height restrictions Changing the form, on subsequent blocks, to structural steelwork with concrete composite decking shortened the construction programme. Asymmetric column layout maximised the value of floor plates in residential and parking areas. Half basement design with two level parking avoided excessive excavation. Environment Agency requirements for flood and tidal water volumes were achieved using large underground concrete pipes for storage.

Services supplied

• Surveys and investigations
• Sustainable remediation, flood risk, transport, parking and drainage strategies
• Negotiated approvals with planners and Environment Agency
• Detailed design of infrastructure, Section 278 works, and structures