This scheme will see Siemens Gamesa’s wind turbine blade manufacturing facility in Hull doubled in size through the addition of two new buildings, enabling the production of larger, more efficient blades. Covering 42,000 sqm, the new £82m units will accommodate the manufacture of next-generation offshore wind turbine blades, which will see this become the largest facility of its kind in the UK.
Having delivered structural and environmental consultancy services for the existing 36,000 sqm facility, completed in 2016, Waterman’s team once again teamed-up with contractor, VolkerFitzpatrick, to provide civil, structural, M&E, environmental and health and safety consultancy services for the new buildings.
Working closely with architects, Race Cottam Associates, our specialists delivered the structural design for the scheme. Ensuring the steelwork incorporated 40m clear spans with a working height of 18m and substantial load-bearing capability, the design was carefully considered to accommodate the gantry and console cranes utilised during the wind turbine blade manufacturing process.
Controlling internal environmental conditions is critical to allow Siemens Gamesa to produce turbine blades with a high degree of accuracy and consistency, and our mechanical and electrical team designed services for lighting, power, water, humidity control, ventilation and cooling for the new facility, in addition to upgrades and replacements of the mechanical services for the existing facility. With sustainability a key theme of the development, our designs focused on minimising waste whilst prioritising both energy and carbon efficiency.
