The main building frame is to be of reinforced concrete founded on CFA piles, there is a one level part basement formed within the existing basement footprint of the previous building. The scheme has been designed to comply with PassivHaus standards as the Council wish to move towards more carbon neutral approaches by minimizing the energy consumption.

Extensive optioneering of different frame materials, principally light gauge steel and timber using an MMC approach, was carried out at stage 2 but they were found not to achieve the Local Authorities’ aims as well as the reinforced concrete frame, principally because of the airtightness requirements to achieve PassivHaus. CRE8 Structures minimised the Embodied Carbon Dioxide (EC02) of the structural frame materials at Westmead by using efficient design and cement replacement to reduce the overall EC02. Timber based solutions were not preferred by the Authority.

CRE8 are appointed as structural engineers for the development and have led the design discussions on issues such as the underground constraints of the site where there are tree root and drainage issues. Tree protection zones have been established in discussion with the tree officers and intelligent foundation solutions have been developed to minimize the removal of a section of roots to maintain the health of the tree while minimizing the cost impact to the development.

The scheme has moved to the construction phase with a contractor appointed to detail the scheme.