Vector Structures were tasked with designing the structure for a new community centre spanning five floors, including a basement. The client’s brief emphasized the creation of large, open spaces with no intermediate columns. The team achieved this by strategically deploying long-span beams with minimal downstands.

The building’s stability was ensured through a balanced combination of masonry and portal frames, with some wind posts for the upper floors. The substructure featured a large reinforced raft connected to the basement retaining walls, incorporating lightweight mesh to keep costs down.

Given the proximity to neighboring buildings and roads, Vector Structures’ package also integrated effective temporary structural works to minimize settlement risks and vibration during construction. To adhere to budget constraints, the construction of the fifth-floor mansard structure was completed using timber, showcasing a cost-effective approach while upholding the functionality of the space.”