Lucas House, Nelson

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Lucas House, Nelson

 

Submitted by:  Irving Smith Jack Architects Ltd

Owner:  Gibbons Property Ltd

Architect:  Irving Smith Jack Architects Ltd

Consulting Engineer:  AURECON

Contractor:  Gibbons Construction Ltd

 

Summary:

Lucas House combines PRESSS seismic technology in precast concrete with timber structural components. This leading, hybrid approach to assembling concrete and timber buildings, advances prior research and reporting completed by Irving Smith Jack Architects and Aurecon, in association with the University of Canterbury following the Christchurch earthquakes. This project applies outcomes from this research with prior experience in post tensioned seismic design to a commercial site requiring concrete construction at property boundaries for durability and fire resistance. 

This hybrid, post tensioned building represents an industry leading example of Damage Avoidance Design, installed to a tight inner city site. Post tensioned and dissipated concrete shear walls constructed to property boundaries allow fusible steel components to be readily replaced following a major seismic event. LVL composite columns and beams are used as a gravity resisting skeleton throughout. Design innovation is tested for constructability and viability, providing new design solutions in an inner city commercial situation. 

This innovative project acts as an exemplar for a commercially viable solution combining advanced concrete seismic technology with engineered timber. Responsible integration of environmental systems with the visual and durable appeal of locally supplied textured concrete and timber produces quality commercial space and futureproof working environments.