XFrame provides solutions for modernising listed heritage buildings.
The project presented a series of unique construction challenges that were highly suited to use of the XFrame system. To limit impact on the Category 1 Heritage Listed Building new spaces were required to be completely free standing - discounted from the base building and easily removable. XFrame's self-braced and demountable design ensured this mandate was achieved.
In addition, the spaces were required to meet the standards of the Living Building Challenge (LBC). The challenge aims to create buildings that are not just less harmful, but truly regenerative. LBC includes consideration of water, energy, health, equity, happiness and beauty. Stringent material specification, effective waste management and a transparent local supply chain were two critical aspects XFrame helped to fulfill.
XFrame's off-site manufacturing ensured the near elimination of all on-site waste associated with the creation of nominated XFrame spaces. The off-site process also ensured that off-cuts from stocked materials were minimised and returned to key suppliers for recycling where required.
The heritage building sits on base isolation to protect it from damage in significant seismic events. Structures within the base isolated building are required to be designed to maintain integrity through such events and require significant uplift resistance (floor anchors) to ensure stability. The structural design of these anchors was complicated by a 120+ year old raised timber floor system spanning in a non-orthogonal alignment with direction of new XFrame walls. To further complicate the structural design, the existing floor had settled over time, resulting changes in level exceeding 50mm over 4m.
To overcome these issues a reinforced bottom plate was introduced. The plate was levelled across the uneven floor, and anchored where it crossed major structural elements. Less than optimal frequency of anchors meant the need for 18kN hold-downs and select locations. This connection strength was required to be transferred through the hold-down and into the XFrame structural panels.
