30 Introduction to the project In 2006 Umicore, one of world’s largest materials technology groups, decides to modernize their ‘Precious Metals Plant’ in Hoboken. The project ‘Facelift’ includes the renovation of different buildings, the realisation of tree awnings and the construction of an eye-catching office building, which combines a spectacular reception, an auditorium, an exposition hall and several offices. The building is unrestrained in design in contrast to the monotonous and randomly selected surroundings. The design draws one’s attention and counters the existing rational background. The powerful, high-tech look and feel creates an innovative image, thus modernizing the company. Description of the project A reinforced concrete shell that slowly ‘climbs’ to the roof of an existing building forms the office building. The three spaces that are enclosed by the shell, which has a thickness of only 30cm, are not aligned but slightly rotate one above another. The nine-storied building, with a footprint of only 15 m by 30 m, is structurally independent from the existing building and gets its stiffness from the co-operation of the shell, 11 inclined columns and an eccentrically placed core. The foundation of the building is made from 36 screw piles with an average length of 11 m which reach to a lower stiff clay layer but also get their strength from the friction along the shaft of the piles. Approach One of the larger challenges dealt with while designing the structure of this building was formed by the geometry and especially the large eccentricity introduced by the position of the 3 boxes in combination with the inclined columns. The combination of these 2 elements introduces large horizontal forces in the shell, which result in relatively large horizontal deformations under the (vertical) self-weigh. Several solutions were modelled and analysed not only to reduce the initial deformations but also to estimate the expected final deformations caused by creep and cracking of the concrete. It was very important to determine an upper boundary for the postponed CAE Housing & Buildings 2 Ney & Partners is a structural engineering consultancy, established in Brussels. Since its foundation in 1997, the office has worked with an active view on the art of engineering through the integration of the different civil works disciplines. This integration and optimization of structural elements aims to overcome the classic hierarchic assembly of constructive solutions. Innovative bridges, roof structures and works of art developed by our office, express most clearly this vision. The construction project quality lies in the synthesis of specific design constraints. The structural aspect is of primary importance to this synthesis. From the very beginning of the design process, Ney & Partners conducts a constant research for advanced engineering integration. In doing so, our position as Engineering Consultancy overcomes the standardized dimensioning of predefined technical solutions. An intense collaboration with the design team from an early stage on allows the development of innovative solutions, adapted to the context of the project. Ney & Partners currently employs more than 40 civil engineers, architects, draughtsman, etc… Owner: Umicore nv Architect: Conix Architects cvba General Contractor: Strabag nv Engineering Office: Ney & Partners nv Construction Start: 01/12/2007 Construction End: 31/11/2008 Location: Hoboken, Belgium Project Information Office Building ‘Facelift Umicore’, Hoboken A reinforced concrete shell that slowly ‘climbs’ to the roof of an existing building forms this spectacular office building. The three spaces that are enclosed by the shell, which has a thickness of only 30cm, are not aligned but slightly rotate one above another. The nine-storied building, with a footprint of only 15 m by 30 m, is structurally independent from the existing building and gets its stiffness from the co-operation of the shell, 11 inclined columns and an eccentrically placed core. The foundation of the building is made from 36 screw piles with an average length of 11 m which reach to a lower stiff clay layer but which also get their strength from the friction along the shaft of the piles. Used software: Scia Engineer Ney & Partners Contact Jeroen Vander Beken Address Terhulpsesteenweg 181 1170 Brussel, Belgium Phone +32 2 643 21 80 Email [email protected] Website www.ney.be Short Description WINNER WINNER “The originality and prestige of this project combined with the high technical complexity and the use of the software to the limit, attractively presented, made the jury decide to have this project as number one. Especially the complex material and structural model using a mix of curved shells, inclined columns and long term analysis of creep and deflection made it a very interesting project. On site measurement proved the accuracy of the calculation.” Quote of the Jury
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