This is the case for the Luxenbourg III: as the project name entails, this is the 3rd phase of this multi-building apartment complex. Logisbourg, the project builder, used Peikko’s Frame Solution on all 3 phases of the development. Motives for using Peikko’s solutions include fast construction, a slim floor requirement and long spans to facilitate the 2 level underground parking. This article will take you through all 3 facets of the decision to use this structural system.
Fast Construction
‘’Our primary objective with structure was to have a system that would go up quickly’’ explains Jean-Simon Généreux, Project Manager for Logisbourg. ‘’With the Peikko Frame, we were able to build at a rate of one floor (12 000 square feet) every 3 to 4 days’’ says Mr. Généreux. The installation sequence was as follows:
- Day one: installation of Composite Columns, DELTABEAM® and precast shafts for the entire floor
- Day two: installation of 6 000 square feet of hollow core slabs
- Day three: installation of 6 000 square feet of hollow core slabs and grouting of the assembly
The subsequent floor can be installed immediately after the grouting of the floor is done.
Flexible Design
‘’Peikko solved many of our design challenges’’ explains Claude Fugère of Fugère architecte. ‘’Our first challenge was floor depth: we were limited in height and needed a shallow floor assembly. We worked with a 10’’ (250 mm) slab + beam assembly thanks to DELTABEAM®, with a typical bay size of 26’ x 36’ (8 m X 11 m).’’ The long spans allowed for 4 parking stalls between each column while the shallow assembly allowed for minimum building height.
‘’Another challenge was column size’’ says Mr. Fugère. ‘’We wanted the smallest, fire rated columns to minimize their impact on our interiors’’. Peikko Composite Columns varied in size from Ø 16” (400 mm) toØ 10” (250 mm), making them smaller than concrete columns or dry walled steel columns.
As with any multi-family residential project, the balconies posed a challenge. Logisbourg was looking for large balconies that would cantilever outside of the building so the tenants would have a full 180 degree view. Additionally, Logisbourg wanted the balconies to offer some intimacy and no thermal bridge.
The Peikko frame was able to accommodate all the developer’s request by utilizing a “T” shaped solid prestressed slab. The 6’ (1.8 m) wide slabs cantilever 3’ (0.9 m) outside of the building and the exterior walls recess inside the building by 3’ (0.9 m) at the balcony creating a 6’ (1.8 m) deep balcony that has both a cantilever and privacy walls. To avoid the thermal bridge, the solid slab of the balcony is completely separated from the rest of the floor and insulated on all three interior sides.
The Luxenbourg projects are comprised of 148 apartment units, all built with Peikko Frame. The developer, Logisbourg, has several other projects where Peikko Frame will also be used.
