Mixed-Use Development In Luton

OVERVIEW

A DYNAMIC MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT WITH 414 MODERN HOMES AND VERSATILE COMMERCIAL SPACE

SITE : Castle Street, Luton

Sector : Mixed-use residential and commercial

Client : JRL Property Ltd

Architect : Assael

Main Contractor : JRL Group

This striking development features three residential towers connected by a landscaped podium, with a lower ground floor and basement, creating a vibrant urban space in Luton.

Our civil and structural teams have been involved from RIBA Stage 2 through to completion, working alongside architects Assael to support JRL in selecting the most efficient construction approach. This included an initial R&D phase to develop their off-site modular capability for future projects. As part of this, we assisted in fire testing strategies and panel design, ensuring safety and performance at every stage.

A SEAMLESSLY COORDINATED PROGRAMME ALIGNING DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION FOR MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY ON SITE

THE SOLUTION

While R&D continued for the off-site modular capability, the project progressed using a reinforced concrete (RC) frame solution, incorporating both in-situ and precast concrete technologies, with slipform construction for the cores. Designed for speed and efficiency, the RC frame featured slipform core construction, precast columns and lattice plank precast slabs, providing a permanent formwork solution.

Our team carefully coordinated the programme to streamline design and construction activities on site. Throughout the design process, we explored structural options to align with the client’s sustainability and economic goals while preserving the architect’s vision. This included full design solutions for the amenity roof structure in both RC and a hybrid hot-rolled steel and LGS approach.

Additionally, our infrastructure engineering team delivered the below-ground drainage design, integrating sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS) through blue roof technology at podium level.

“D4S STRIVE TO PROVIDE OPTIMISED STRUCTURAL SOLUTIONS AGAINST BOTH THE CLIENT BRIEF AND THE STRATEGIC DESIGN OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT. THEIR PRAGMATIC AND COLLABORATIVE APPROACH TO DESIGN IS A KEY CATALYST TO THE POSITIVE WORKING RELATIONSHIPS THAT UNDERPIN THE TEAM, CONTRIBUTING TO THE SUCCESSFUL DELIVERY OF PROJECTS.”

ALEX JOHNSON - DIRECTOR ASSAEL ARCHITECTS