Laing O’Rourke’s design for manufacture and assembly (DfMA) facility will supply 68,000m² of low-carbon concrete planks for a new 36-storey office development at 50 Fenchurch Street in London, where Multiplex is main contractor.
Explore Manufacturing’s appointment follows a prior one-year pre-construction services agreement.
The concrete ‘Megaplank’ will be manufactured at Explore’s centre of excellence for modern construction, near Worksop, in Nottinghamshire, on its automated high-speed carousel production line.
The company said the Megaplank reduces environmental impact thanks to the combination of lean concrete floor planks with Explore’s low-carbon concrete.
It added that its composite design with steel beams allows for the reduction of steel section sizes, contributing to a more efficient use of materials and decreasing the overall weight of the structure.
Fifty Fenchurch Street aims to be one of the UK’s most sustainable and “biodiverse” high-rise office buildings.
It is also set to be the first building of this scale to incorporate extensive vertical landscaping in the City of London, made of 10 floor gardens and over 40 planted terraces.
New ground floor gardens will be centred around a medieval church tower, one of two historic architectural pieces being incorporated into the project.
Explore Manufacturing’s general manager, James Langley, said: “We are excited to be part of the 50 Fenchurch Street project and look forward to showcasing the exceptional qualities of our Megaplank product.
“This collaboration with Multiplex marks a significant milestone for us, and we are committed to delivering outstanding results that meet and exceed expectations.”
