Two storey multi-use building, with full height, exposed mass timber portal frames
Full height, exposed mass timber portal frames, in‑keeping with the design principles of the combined wider Marlborough schools project, were utilised to provide bracing and support gravity loads. These frames contained hidden connections to maintain a natural visual appeal, in addition to incorporating a clever design feature. Use of these connections enabled the frames to be discretely connected to the top of the ground floor block walls in order to improve the structural performance, simplify construction and reduce costs. The roof and flooring system also utilised a proprietary mass-timber “potius” system, which forms another exposed architectural feature of the design.
A very tight timeframe was requested by the client, resulting in all parties involved working closely in order to halve the typical design programme. Initially, the technical site soil class was to be designed for liquefaction effects (requiring an enhanced foundation system), however, FTL geotechnical engineers carried out a site-specific assessment, and with further analysis, were able to reduce the geotechnical requirements such that the FTL structural engineers could re-design with a simplified foundation system. This process ultimately saved significant construction costs and time within the building programme. With the exposed timber design elements, this project was impressive from both an environmental and an economical perspective. FTL worked closely with local contractors and subcontractors to further optimise the design during construction, yet again showcasing that collaboration is key to successful outcomes and longstanding relationships.
