Imperial War Museum Parkside

Design ID provided full Structural and Civil Engineering design services for the construction of a new three storey office building for Imperial War Museum serving 180 staff members in close proximity to the existing IWM London building. A new external public realm area was also provided which complements and facilitates the new office building. The purpose built Parkside building offers a creative hub for innovative thinking and collaboration between the museums’ teams, supporting IWM to fulfil its vital mission to improve public understanding of war and conflict through its exhibitions, events and programming. Design ID had the opportunity to take the Engineering design through project initiation, Planning, Tender and Construction Stages with the following services provided; Superstructure design, Substructure design, Drainage and SuDS design (including brown roof), proposed site levels, pavement build-ups, external works coordination and consultation with Statutory Authorities. Design ID worked alongside the architect and modular contractor to produce the optimal module arrangement to suit the site challenges which included a Victorian culvert crossing the building footprint, significant trees with Tree Preservation Orders and a subterranean river known to flow close to the site. Design ID made use of advancing technologies through the use of 3D laser scanning of tree roots to inform the foundation scheme and ensure floor areas could be met within the tightly constrained site. Further to this there was a requirement to create column-free office space whilst supporting photovoltaic panels and a brown roof. Design ID tapped into their modular expertise to concept scheme, design and detail long-span modules which included built-in transfer structure to create flexible and spacious accommodation for IWM staff. The module plan dimensions and heights were rationalised to minimise the number of bay types and reduce waste in the factory through standardisation of structural components. Future re-use, adaptability of space and de-construction was also considered should client needs change. Key constraints overcome as part the Civil Engineering design included presence of existing trees, proximity of existing office building services which needed to stay live throughout duration of works and an existing underground Victorian Culvert. Design ID worked closely with Reds10 and Jestico + Whiles to develop solutions, an example of which was the incorporation of a brown roof to provide biodiversity benefits to the surrounding area. The building is in the process of bring awarded BREEAM Excellent Accreditation. The project was completed to BIM Level 2 which allowed the coordination of all designs within Navisworks and clash detection to be undertaken on a weekly basis. The use of Revit/Navisworks ensured the design was as efficient as possible to assist with project cost and programme. Additionally, the models ensured limited on-site wastage and assisted the Contractor with detailed understanding of requirements at an early design stage. Building Awards 2021 – Offsite Project of the Year - Winner Offsite Awards 2021 – Commercial Project of the Year - Winner New London Awards 2021 – People’s Choice Award – Shortlisted