Industrial
Development within the light industrial sector is highly competitive and cost-sensitive. To achieve the right balance of functionality and costs it is essential that each element of a building’s design contributes to its overall efficiency. Optimizing industrial systems design requires a detailed understanding of the manufacturing process and the supply chain.
Our engineers work closely with architects, owners, suppliers and other professionals to provide coordinated and multi-disciplinary solutions which deliver performance and value at lowest capital cost. Our extensive experience in this sector covers a wide range of industries, including food processing, electronics, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, cars, cosmetics and distribution.
Structural costs are significant in the overall cost of the development, so we thoroughly analyze materials and building methods to assess where improvements and savings can be made.
Although industrial units are relatively light buildings, they usually have floor loading criteria of 50kN/m2 or more and are often built on soft, low-lying ground. Our engineers evaluate the most efficient and cost-effective way of providing load bearing capacity while advising on any land remediation needed. Our expertise in concrete floor design has enabled us to create concepts for floors with less expansion joint, less cracks and very low cost.
Often containing heavy machinery and large access doors, industrial units present a variety of design challenges relating to energy consumption, fire safety, lighting, emission extraction and climate regulation. We evaluate design options for meeting sustainability targets, such as low energy heating, natural ventilation systems and heat loss prevention. Our fire engineers advise on how to maximize available space without compromising worker safety.