Client Site: Whitley Bay High School

Services: Temporary Works Design, Scaffold Design, Deconstruction Engineering

Amrose Associates was appointed to design a temporary end gable façade to screen a three storey tower block during its phased deconstruction.

The challenge

The project presented a number of complex engineering challenges and the design needed to account for:

  • The geometry and structural behaviour of the existing reinforced concrete frame
  • The progressive removal of floors and structural elements throughout the deconstruction sequence
  • Changing load paths and stability conditions as the building reduced in height
  • Wind loading requirements at each stage of demolition
  • Ongoing compliance with BS EN 12811-1 throughout the works

In addition to structural performance, the façade needed to be practical, adaptable and safe to modify as works progressed.

Our approach

The structure was engineered as a phased temporary works solution capable of being progressively reduced in line with the deconstruction programme.

Key aspects of the design included:

  • Structural assessment of the interface between the scaffold façade and the existing reinforced concrete frame
  • Scaffold configuration designed to accommodate staged reductions in height as the building was dismantled
  • Wind load analysis for each phase of the deconstruction sequence
  • Detailed sequencing information to support safe and controlled modification and removal of the temporary works

By modelling the temporary façade against each stage of the deconstruction programme, we made sure the structure remained stable and compliant. This approach delivered a practical solution that combined structural robustness with the flexibility required to adapt safely as the project progressed.

The outcome

The completed design provided a safe, compliant and fully integrated temporary works solution that supported the controlled deconstruction of the tower block.

The staged removal strategy delivered several tangible benefits:

  • Reduced programme risk through clear sequencing and engineered methodology
  • Improved cost control by avoiding over design or unnecessary scaffold adaptation
  • Maintained visual screening throughout the deconstruction process
  • Enhanced safety through defined load paths and compliant scaffold design

This proactive approach improved efficiency on site and reduced the likelihood of delay or additional temporary works cost.

Amrose Associates delivers compliant and programme aligned temporary works solutions and deconstruction engineering support. Ask Amrose. Call 01133 919 840 or email enquiries@amroseassociates.com