Whiston Hospital

The development was the largest and most complex post-tensioned development in the UK, with the floors consisting of up to 38 pours each typically of 200 to 250 cubic metres. We worked closely with the civil engineers early on to develop a floor design that met the needs of the specified loading and the unique vibration requirements of this Hospital. We also developed a system that enabled the Mechanical and Equipment (M&E) design and fit out to be flexible throughout the life of the building. We planned the placement of tendons and reinforcement, to provide soft spots in sufficient places. This drastically simplified co-ordination of the M&E holes and allowed us to accelerate the programme. Therefore, despite an initial delay in commencing work, the frame contractor was able to finish six weeks ahead of their initial schedule. We were thrilled to receive the Concrete Society and PTA Award for Post-tensioning 2008 for this project, in recognition of the sheer scale and complexity of this building.