Context
Arthian’s Structural Engineering Team was appointed to deliver the design of a new Satellite Control Room (SCR) and UPS battery mezzanine within an existing blast resistant building located in a liquefied natural gas regasification facility.
The project required the creation of new operational space within a highly constrained environment—without interrupting critical infrastructure. Our role was to develop a safe, efficient, and fully buildable solution aligned with demanding programme and operational requirements.
The Challenge
Delivering new structural interventions within a live, highly constrained operational environment introduced a number of critical risks:
- Continuous operation of safety‑critical infrastructure had to be maintained at all times.
- Existing switchgear and cabling within a raised floor zone could not be disturbed
- Key structural elements, including adjacent blockwork wall which required retention
- Restricted access and limited working space impacted constructability and sequencing
- A tight design and construction programme increased the risk of delay or cost escalation
- Any late design changes posed a direct risk to programme certainty and operational continuity
The client required a design partner who could manage risk proactively, coordinate closely with other disciplines and deliver a solution that could be constructed right first time.
The Solution
We developed a bespoke lightweight steel structural solution, carefully tailored to the constraints of the existing building and its ongoing operation.
Satellite Control Room
- Design of a two‑story lightweight steel frame structure constructed within the existing UPS battery room
- Primary structure formed from hot‑rolled steel, with floors and walls using cold‑formed steel framing systems (SFS) to minimise weight and maximise speed of construction
- Structure supported on the existing slab, avoiding intrusive foundation works
- Stability achieved through a combination of diaphragm action, trimming steels at roof level and SFS wall panels providing racking resistance.
UPS Battery Mezzanine
- Design of a high‑level steel mezzanine within the LV Switch Room to accommodate relocated battery equipment
- Hot‑rolled steel framing with a reinforced composite concrete deck and SFS wall construction
- Use of existing raft slab, avoiding intrusive foundation works
- Bracing integrated within the raised floor zone to maintain operational space.
Throughout the design, we worked closely with the wider project team to ensure:
- Early identification and mitigation of interface and buildability risks
- Clear, coordinated load paths to existing structures
- A solution that could be safely installed in a live environment with minimal disruption
The Results
- Client brief fully achieved, with approvals secured through RIBA Stages.
- A buildable, low‑risk structural solution compatible with ongoing operation of critical assets
- Efficient use of existing structure avoided costly strengthening works and reduced programme risk
- Lightweight framing enabled faster installation and safer construction sequencing
The project demonstrates our ability to deliver complex structural engineering solutions within live, safety‑critical environments, balancing technical excellence with commercial awareness and practical buildability.
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