FP McCann have played a crucial role in the successful completion of a significant regeneration project in Harlow, Essex, delivering a precast concrete structural and architectural frame solution for a new residential development. The £50 million project is part of a regeneration scheme for the town, which includes a 15-storey building compromising of 172 new homes and 12,500 square feet of commercial space. The building occupies a key location in Harlow and represents a collaboration between property developer Hollybrook and Harlow council.
While the first of the building features an in-situ reinforced concrete frame, the upper 14 floors are constructed using a precast concrete system. FP McCann were responsible for the design, manufacture and installation of a range of precast elements including precast concrete core walls, party walls, prestressed Hollowcore flooring, stairwells and landings. These elements were integral to the rapid assembly of the building’s frame.
Aesthetic considerations were also key to the project, FP McCann supplying precast architectural cladding for the building’s upper floors. Brick-faced insulated sandwich panels and coloured concrete feature panels were used to enhance the building’s external façade, contributing to both its visual appeal and its performance in terms of thermal efficiency and sound insulation.
One of the standout features of the project was the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) level 2 technology. FP McCann adopted a comprehensive BIM approach to coordinate the design and construction processes, ensuring precise alignment between the precast elements and other components of the building. The BIM Execution Plan (BEP) developed for the project facilitated collaboration between contractors, reduced construction time and improve accuracy.
FP McCann’s offsite manufacturing approach also delivered significant sustainability benefits. Precast concrete’s durability and fire resistance make it an ideal material for high-rise residential buildings. The project’s use of precast concrete reduced on-sire waste and improved safety during construction, while the thermal mass properties of the material ensure long-term efficiency.
The use of precast concrete was not limited to the building’s internal structure. FP McCann also supplied external cladding panels and feature elements. The project’s 171 brick-faced insulated sandwich panels and coloured feature panels measured between 4000mm by 3000mm and weighed approximately 4.4 tonnes each. The installation of these panels was complex, with FP McCann employing a counter-balance rig to install the majority of the panels. However, the more challenging sections of the installation, particularly around the north side of the building, required a crane positioned on site to reach and erect the cladding.
FP McCann’s contributions to the Harlow regeneration project is an example of how precast concrete can be used effectively in modern construction projects. The use of BIM technology and offsite manufacturing benefits of precast concrete contributed to the overall efficiency of the development.