Role : Civil and structural engineering services
The development at Bothwell Plaza incorporates a modern office block and a five-star hotel, set within a citycentre scape and enveloping a large public space on four sides to form a courtyard or plaza setting.
Ground level varies across the site, and a six metre level difference exists between extremities. A contiguous bored piled wall forms the boundary to the site, and thereby facilitates the use of the full internal space for the contractor to construct the works. Bearing piles will carry the vertical and lateral loads to rock strata located approximately 30 metres below ordinance datum.
The office building is set over 24 floors, and delivers approximately 300,000sq.ft. of modern, flexible accommodation which will enhance the commercial capacity of the city and offer users an environment based upon sustainable resources and designed to the highest standards. The structure is based upon a steel frame with composite decking on cellular beams and reinforced concrete shear cores. The two basement levels incorporate car parking and are a shared facility with the hotel.
The hotel offers a stepped profile to the Bothwell Street and Douglas Street elevations and varies in height between 17 and 13 storeys. The hotel benefits from modular construction, and has the advantage of utilising off-site precast units, thereby reducing the construction period and delivering the highest quality of finish to the units. Reinforced concrete cores provide the lateral stability to the buildings.
Façade treatment is predominantly unitised curtain walling, with the incorporation of areas of granite stone cladding to provide relief.