Machine Store

About this project

The Machine Store, Hayes, is a development by Crest Nicholson as part of the broader regeneration of The Old Vinyl Factory site in Hayes, West London. The project is being led by the U&I Group, with the masterplan designed by shedkm architects, featuring their signature yellow cladding elements.

BDC was appointed as Structural Engineering consultants for the detailed design of this project, working closely with HGP Architects to deliver the scheme.

The development consists of 81 residential units spread across two blocks, with two levels of car parking, a semi-basement, and an upper ground floor. The building is anchored by a podium slab at the first-floor level. Block A includes 2,000 sq. ft. of commercial space at the ground floor, while Block B has been designed with provisions for a 7,800 sq. ft. four-story Primary Health Care Centre.

Comprising 11 stories, the building includes a basement, ground floor, and first-floor podium. Blocks A and B each rise to nine stories, with the entire structure supported by piled foundations. The building is constructed using a reinforced concrete (RC) frame with localised transfer structures and precast vertical elements. The residential units feature bolt-on steel balconies to provide additional amenity space.

The southern facade of Block B presented more complex architectural challenges, which were addressed with a combination of cantilever RC slabs and steelwork. The steel elements included thermally broken cantilever structures and hanging elements from a faux gully wing-style roof.

Due to the close proximity to the Network Rail boundary, the design required a BAPA (Building Near the Railway) agreement, which BDC assisted in negotiating. The Network Rail requirements significantly influenced the design, particularly concerning the Southern Façade steelwork, affecting both the construction and ongoing maintenance considerations.