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Because platform construction uses a limited number of components, it gives us a greater amount of control.

Using process design thinking to highlight efficiency.One thing which happens when working this way, is that we’re forced to approach projects differently.

Design to Value offers unique benefits but can also reveal some uncomfortable truths.. As an example: we were evaluating a brief to build a new carbonated drinks factory in Africa.The initial projected cost of £70 million was determined to be prohibitively expensive, and so the client asked for this to be reduced.Our team went through a process of evaluation and analysis.

We adapted and optimised the factory size and construction techniques in order to substantially and successfully reduce the cost.. Something even more interesting happened in the process, however.As we began to evaluate the facility, we began to ask different types of questions.

This led to some interesting realisations.

One of the primary products to be manufactured in the factory was bottled water.- Ensure timber specified is of a sustainable nature, by using PEFC or FSC certification schemes.. - Have a critical view about sustainable forest management and explore alternatives.. - Interrogate timber manufacturers on their root and soil carbon accounting.. Acoustic performance.

When designing with engineered timber special attention is required to reduce vibrations, noise transmission and reverberation time..The layered nature of engineered timber can improve acoustic compartmentation and if properly designed, does not need the same mass as concrete to achieve the same airborne sound resistance.

However, detailing is the main challenge and if not properly resolved it can generate sound flanking at the joints which is difficult to resolve without the use of wet trades.Creating reliable diaphragm action through slabs when trying to achieve acoustic separation and control movement is also fraught with issues.. Other acoustic considerations include the noise from building services and potential increased reverberation time due to smooth surfaces.. Our response is to:.