CambridgeHOK have completed perhaps one the most challenging and unique projects in its 70 year history – a four storey facility at the top of a stunning new ‘urban living’ development in Swansea.
The project, for Hacer Developments on its unique, first-of-a-kind ‘Biophilic Living’ development, has seen the East Yorkshire firm install the glasshouse on floors 8 to 11 of the new 12-storey complex.
Three floors of the new 300sq metre glasshouse will be used for residents to explore hydroponic growing methods, producing their own crops and vegetables at growing stations.
The top floor of the glasshouse, which offers stunning views across the city, will provide a unique meeting room space for the building users, surrounded by light and greenery.
The glasshouse installation was completed in just eight weeks by the CambridgeHOK team, and is now ready for internal works to begin.
“There were many unique challenges in this project, from the glasshouse itself being a four-storey building, to it of course being installed at height,” said Rob Williams, Structural & Design Team Leader at CambridgeHOK.
“Due to it being multi-story glasshouse we had to adapt our existing glazing system to ensure we balanced transparency requirements with essential structural elements.
“The main challenge was to maintain the light, open feel of the space while also ensuring the framework provided adequate support, without compromising aesthetics.
“The elevated nature of the structure also introduced higher wind loads, requiring enhanced sealing measures beyond our standard glasshouse specifications. This ensures improved weather resistance and long-term durability, particularly at greater heights.
“To further support both installation and future maintenance, the glazing system was also designed on a floor by floor basis. This modular approach allowed for flexible erection sequencing, enabling installation from either the top or bottom floor.”
The project aims to provide a ‘radical new approach to living and working in the urban environment’ – creating ‘a building that lives and breathes’, providing its own energy through sustainable methods.
Patrick Harte, joint managing director of CambridgeHOK, said: “We were thrilled to firstly be considered for this project, and then of course to be selected.
“As a business which is a known leader in the glasshouse field, but also as an innovator and a forward-thinking engineering specialist, this project was perfectly suited to us, as we always like to take on a new challenge. It is why we have a reputation for achieving industry firsts.
“That is certainly the case with this project, and we are really proud to have been a part of.”
