35 Bridgewater Street

3-storey steel frame vertical extension

Located in the Baltic Triangle area of Liverpool, this project involved the refurbishment of an existing 4-storey building, converting it from factory use into residential apartments, with the addition of a 3-storey steel frame vertical extension.

The existing roof, formed of steel trusses, was demolished and replaced with a new slim transfer deck supporting the levels above. Due to planning restrictions limiting the overall building height, structural zone depths within the proposed extension were tight. As a result, detailed coordination of service penetrations through the proposed steel frame was required.

The existing foundations were investigated and a loading comparison of the existing and proposed structures was undertaken to justify their retention and reuse. Similarly, the existing columns were analysed and strengthening was specified to allow retention whilst satisfying disproportionate collapse requirements. A timber survey of the existing 1st, 2nd and 3rd floor structures was completed; where required, joists were replaced or repaired, and floor coverings were upgraded to ensure diaphragm action at each level. Uprated fire protection was also specified by the design team to meet current Building Regulations.

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