The Testing Centre

We have been extremely busy this week with lots of queries and information being requested, therefore the work has been quite sporadic. 

The party wall issue I previously mentioned is still on going and has developed slightly where we have agreed an idea with the contractor we know need to create a detail drawing for the party wall and issue it to the Party Wall Surveyor to see if it will be accepted. 

The drainage and waterproofing of the building is developing quite quickley so next week I have the task of collating all of the information we have and coodinating it to ensure that we have recieved and covered all of the information required.  For example we are still waiting for clarification on some details from the structural engineers regarding the balustrade supports, plus we need to identify some gully and hopper specifications to ensure they are compatable with the waterproofing specified. 

I haven't blogged about anything that is happening on the project this week because things have been pretty hectic!

We had a Mechanical DTM on Tuesday which again was pretty heated - we agreed a couple of points within the previous meeting however when we brought them up again this week the M&E guys seem to think differently.  Learnt a valuable lesson to make sure that everything that is disscussed if fully encapsulated within the minutes.  The minutes stated that the M&E engineer was to investigate the layout - however there was not a description of what the layout was. 

The contractors asked for setting out dimensions of the internal walls which was a scary thought of how quickley the project is moving.

I also attending a meeting as an observer on site with the Party Wall Surveyor to discuss an area of the project which gave us cause for concern.  We currently have a cavity between us and the building next door of around 300mm on the upper 5th and 6th floor level and concern was raised by the contractors that how were they supposed to get in the gap to effectively build a wall.  This was a very valid point by the contractor and the Party Wall Surveyor expressed her concerns that our building must be watertight without relying on the neighbouring building.  Our current detail did not reflect this situation and remedial works would have had to be completed if the neighbouring buidling was to be removed.  Therefore we are investigating a blockwork construction system to create a waterproofed detail along the cavity.  However if the neighbouring building was to be removed remedial works would still be required to the wall however it would be waterproof. 

My targets for next week are to review the curtain walling  this is a large package within the project and as soon as this can be completed it would allow things to start moving.  Additionally, I am going to look at the waterproffing details to our terrace and roofing systems.  At the moment I detest waterproofing details - I am finding it very diffucult to understand the warrenty aspects that the product manufacturer is trying to explain so hopefully this can be sorted out this week! I'll also try and upload some site photos of the development of the interior walls which should help to understand the idea of the space. 

22 is the number of weeks left until the first oppourtunity I can sit my Part III exam and hand in my case study and project work. I have begun my case study - gathering the basics and the office have been pretty good with allowing me to look at information regarding the contracts and details of the project. 

'Interfaces' has been an important word on this project so far and has made me think about the relationship different materials/product/elevations have with each other. For instance how an interior cladding meets a plasterboard wall - or even how a window frame is concealed within the plasterboard wall.  Joints and details are VERY important to our client he wants to understand what you will see at every point and if its not clean and perfect then it is not acceptable.  I really enjoy this way of detailing and the challenge of designing 'out' arkward connections.  

Below is a sketchup visual of the office entrance and to the top you can see a light feature.  This is an infinity light box and for anyone who doesn't know what one is you should definitely check it out they are quite cool. 

My Case study is going to be on my project that I am working full time on at the moment - complete office redevelopment in Savile Row, London. 

I'm finding it quite difficult on where to start with my cae study but luckily I have this handy book - Part 3 Handbook by Stephen Brookhouse which believe it or not was FREE with my course [in my undergraduate/masters degree I don't think I ever got one book free]. Anyway it has a step by step contents for your case study so you can start inserting information- would definitely recommend buying if you don't get it free with your course. 

A panoramic from site today the concrete slab has been poured on top of the deck at 6th floor level.