Construction & Structural Strategies

The structural strategy of the two towers is quite simple, 8 concrete columns are embedded in a brick cavity wall constructed tower at 4.9m intervals. A lift and fire stair take up 2.8m of the building (my whole building & site is still based on a 1400mm grid, based on the requirements of map storage). This is a structural system built into each tower. The private/staff tower has an identical structural strategy.

 

I have drawn a basic construction sequence. The existing earth on the site could be used to construct Cambridge's flood defenses up stream. Once the hole is dug, a retaining basement wall would be needed to stop earth falling into the site. The pile foundations and strip foundations supporting the depository's load-bearing brickwork walls would be built, followed by the basement level. The depository ceiling could then be made watertight as the concrete framework for the towers could be built on top. The two towers would be the last to finish construction:

 

 

 

I like to think that in hundreds of years time when the towers are disassembled, the depository/labyrinth will remain below ground for future generations to explore.

The facade would be constructed from local sandstone brick, much like the 3 surrounding buildings. This was an early idea of proportions, which are the same as one of the large light wells, as are the window openings in the tower - floor to ceiling 700mm x 3900mm openings set back to give the facade some depth.