Urban regeneration is a driving force behind the transformation of the Midlands, and JMS Engineers is proud to be at the heart of this movement. With our deep expertise in structural and civil engineering, we are playing a pivotal role in reshaping key areas in Nuneaton and Leicester, breathing new life into urban spaces while preserving their unique heritage.
Sustainability is a key focus in all our urban regeneration projects. At JMS Engineers, we believe that the future of urban areas in the Midlands depends on our ability to design and build in a way that minimises environmental impact while maximising quality of life. Our projects throughout the Midlands are guided by this principle.
This edition of our newsletter focuses on two standout projects in Leicester that exemplify our commitment to revitalising the region: the conversion of Evans Student Living on Oxford Street and the development of Reynard House.
Evans Living Student Halls, Grange Lane, Leicester
JMS Engineers was commissioned to deliver structural engineering services for the Evans Living Student Halls located on Grange Lane, Leicester. This multi-storey student accommodation required a robust foundation solution, with JMS Engineers designing and analysing a raft slab foundation to meet the specific needs of the site.
Below, we summarise the key structural engineering aspects, challenges, and solutions employed in this project, aimed at ensuring a safe, compliant, and durable structure.
Raft Slab Design
The foundation system chosen for this project was a raft slab, ideal for the soil conditions at the Grange Lane site. The raft slab is a large, continuous concrete slab that spreads the load of the building evenly across the ground, minimising differential settlement. JMS Engineers designed the slab with a uniform thickness, reinforced with high-strength steel to withstand the various loads imposed by the multi-storey structure.
Load Considerations
In designing the foundation, our team carefully calculated the loads that the slab would need to support. To ensure safety and stability, the design adhered to Eurocode standards, particularly focusing on the Ultimate Limit State (ULS) and Serviceability Limit State (SLS) load combinations, which were used to test the structure under the most critical scenarios.
Structural Modelling and Analysis
Advanced structural modelling techniques were employed to simulate the raft slab’s performance under various load conditions. This allowed for precise calculation of internal forces, displacements, and stresses, ensuring that the design met all relevant building codes and safety standards.
The Evans Living Student Halls project in Leicester highlights JMS Engineers' expertise in structural engineering, featuring a robust raft slab foundation and advanced modelling. The project ensures long-term resilience and safety, exemplifying JMS Engineers' dedication to quality and innovation in urban regeneration.
Study Inn, Reynard House, Leicester
JMS Engineers provided structural engineering services for the redevelopment of Reynard House, a student accommodation project at Welford Road, Leicester. The project involved transforming an existing derelict 4-storey office building into a modern 7-storey student accommodation facility, accommodating 287 bedrooms along with communal spaces and amenities.
Below, we summarise the key structural engineering aspects, challenges, and solutions employed in this project.
Structural Analysis
The key challenge in this project was to retain the existing steel frame and foundations while extending the building vertically by three additional storeys. This required meticulous structural analysis to ensure that the existing frame could bear the increased loads without compromising stability.
Sustainability Considerations
JMS Engineers designed a new steel frame construction that was integrated with the existing structure, supported by new piled foundations to manage the additional load.
The re-use of the existing structural elements not only minimised the environmental impact but also allowed for a reduced construction timeline, maintaining the project schedule at 12 months. The design also focused on integrating the new structure with the surrounding historic architecture, particularly the adjacent locally listed Shoe and Boot Factory, through the use of a high-quality brick façade and contemporary detailing.
SuDS
A sustainable drainage system (SuDS) was incorporated into the design, featuring both above-ground and below-ground elements, including a green roof that enhanced biodiversity and managed surface water runoff. The retention and extension of the existing structural framework significantly reduced the carbon footprint of the construction process.
The project was completed on schedule and has since received positive feedback from its occupants. Nominated at the prestigious ProCon awards, Reynard House now stands as a modern, sustainable addition to Leicester’s urban landscape, offering high-quality student accommodation.
Looking Ahead
As urban regeneration continues to drive change across the Midlands, JMS Engineers remains committed to delivering exceptional structural and civil engineering solutions that meet the evolving needs of our communities. Whether it's repurposing historical buildings, redesigning urban spaces, or implementing sustainable infrastructure, we are dedicated to creating a brighter, more sustainable future for Nuneaton, Leicester, and the wider Midlands region.
We look forward to continuing our work in the region and sharing more success stories in future editions of our newsletter. Thank you for your continued support as we work together to build a stronger, more sustainable Midlands.
For more information on our projects and services, please visit our website at www.jmsengineers.co.uk.
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