CONSTRUCTION 4.0
THE WORK TAKEN on by pioneering structural design firm Newtecnic has developed out of façade design , where the high value work in complex projects is traditionally found .
“ We now work from the first concept with some of the world ’ s leading architects on bids for global projects , right through from structural engineering plans to completion on-site , offering a full MEP ( mechanical , electrical and plumbing ) service ,” says Newtecnic ’ s Founder and CEO Andrew Watts . “ That gives us a deep understanding of the whole process and the different mindsets of design teams and contractors . We take on challenging projects where there is no obvious answer on how to build with a standard existing system . We don ’ t have that loose-fit proprietary product collage of options . We have to meet tight budget constraints so we develop our own systems for structure , façade and MEP from first principles , which often means we also do shop drawings on construction – either working with the architect from the tender stage or on-site with the contractor .”
Newtecnic ’ s work is supported by university engineering departments , allowing it to do research and development across every project . “ We do the hardcore thinking early on ,” maintains Watts . “ It can be a high-risk strategy because if the project doesn ’ t go ahead we can lose a lot of money .” Newtecnic has a London office supported by the Cambridge University Engineering Department where systems are developed and tested . Meanwhile , in the US , Newtecnic has opened four nationwide offices at leading universities , each with a unique skillset linked to an elite university : LA to UCLA Engineering ; Silicon Valley to Stanford University ; Texas to the University of Texas at Austin ; Atlanta to Georgia Tech .
These , along with the Glass & Façade Technology ( gFT ) Research Group and Innovate UK , are important partnerships for Newtecnic . The company works on projects where there ’ s a strong architectural vision linked to the urban design and the social environment in which the building is located , such as London ’ s Great Ormond Street Hospital and Morocco ’ s Rabat Grand Theatre . “ We provide engineering design to support
28 April 2018