James Street, York
Client - GMI Construction | Project value - £3m | Developer - S Harrison Developments | Architect - CSP Architects
Mansell worked with GMI Construction to deliver a wonderfully modern student accommodation block in the heart of historic York. Leaning on our ability to deliver a fully realised Metsec light gauge steel frame, this project was all about tried and tested offsite framing principles.
Once built, the development will address the shortage in purpose-built student accommodation in the city, offering 108 studio rooms and 195 cluster bedrooms with shared dining and living spaces. What’s more, the S Harrison Developments project will be a mere stone’s throw from York University and York St John University.
Project details
Mansell’s role in the project involved the construction of a large-footprint student accommodation building. At its heart, it was about utilising our strengths in offsite frame manufacture while providing all the benefits that offsite and MMC are capable of.
Despite the flat nature of the site, the design introduced various levels and steps to work with the surrounding architecture and the internal spaces like the gymnasium.
Construction Details
Frame: Light gauge steel (LGS) was used for both external and internal walls.
Exterior: The external walls were sheathed and fitted with a breathable membrane pre-applied in the factory, ensuring quick and efficient onsite assembly.
Floors: Holorib decking and concrete were used for the intermediate floors, with flat roofs over several areas of the building.
Installation Technique: The project utilised Mansell’s scaffoldless installation method, enhancing safety and accelerating construction timelines.
Challenges
This project was not without its challenges, primarily due to its complex design and tight site constraints. The building’s intricate layout with multiple bays and stepped levels required precise and detailed construction plans. Additionally, the limited space around the site meant meticulous logistical planning was needed to manage material deliveries and storage effectively.
Agility in the face of redesigns
With the complexity of the project, there were more than the typical amount of design revisions which required us to be on our toes, ready to pivot to accommodate those changes when required. The high level of agility we demonstrated is testament to the team’s adaptability and problem-solving skills.
Coordination and Site Management
The project's location, right up to the edge of the pavement, presented unique challenges for the construction crew. The site had very limited laydown areas, requiring just-in-time delivery and installation practices. The use of two cranes helped maintain progress and adhere to the tight schedule.
Decreasing site risks
The scaffoldless installation technique we implemented on-site not only reduced the project’s footprint but also decreased the overall risk by eliminating the need for temporary scaffold for erection of the LGS frame. This also leant itself to a quicker construction and took the façade finishing trades off the critical path of the project.
Conclusion
The project at James Street is a fantastic case study on the use of off-site panelisation. The project delivers a beautifully modern result that blends seamlessly with the history-rich location of York.
Despite the challenges, the project was completed slightly ahead of schedule and is set to provide much-needed high-quality student housing across the unmistakable landscape of York.
