Middlewood Locks is described as a city neighbourhood with community at its heart. This £700 million project is home to more than 2,300 residents and enjoys generous public open green spaces and a beautiful waterfront setting. The full scheme also includes more than 750,000 square feet of commercial space, including offices, a hotel, shops, restaurants, a convenience store, and a gym. 

Our scope of work encompassed all architectural metalwork and the installation of 412 spacious cantilever balconies, showcasing our expertise in delivering complex and high-quality engineering solutions. 

Our team’s meticulous planning and execution ensured that every aspect of the structural steelwork and metalwork met the highest quality and durability standards. 

Innovative Off-Site Balcony Manufacturing and Installation 

One of the standout features of this project was our innovative approach to manufacturing and installing the balconies. All 412 cantilever balconies were manufactured off-site, allowing us to maintain the highest precision and quality control levels. 

By manufacturing and storing the balconies off-site until the project was ready to receive them, we were able to streamline the installation process, significantly reducing the overall programme duration. This approach enhanced efficiency and minimised disruptions on-site, allowing other construction activities to proceed smoothly. 

The fully glazed balconies featured composite decking boards, ensuring they were ready for immediate use once installed. This attention to detail and forward-thinking approach underscored our commitment to delivering practical and aesthetically pleasing solutions for our clients. 

Commitment to Excellence 

Shawton Engineering’s involvement in this exciting project highlights our dedication to quality, innovation, and client satisfaction. Our ability to seamlessly integrate design, manufacturing, and installation processes ensures we consistently deliver outstanding results. 

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Our team of experts meticulously managed every aspect of this project, from the initial design phase to the final fabrication and installation. The intricate architectural metalwork and robust structural steelwork we provided were integral to the building’s overall design and functionality. 

Stunning Feature Helical Staircases 

One of the standout elements of the XYZ Building project was the inclusion of three bespoke feature helical staircases. These stunning staircases were designed to be functional and visually striking, adding a unique architectural element to the building’s interior. 

The bespoke helical staircases required precision engineering and innovative design solutions to ensure they met the highest quality and safety standards. Our team’s expertise in creating custom architectural elements allowed us to deliver staircases that were both beautiful and durable, significantly impacting the building’s aesthetic and functional appeal. 

Shawton Engineering’s work on the XYZ Building in Manchester showed our innovative design solutions, ability to work on large projects with exacting standards, and ensuring client satisfaction. 

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The ABC Buildings have been redesigned to preserve their historical essence while integrating modern amenities and design elements. This blend of old and new required innovative solutions and meticulous execution, particularly adding new balconies to enhance the building’s functionality and aesthetic appeal. 

Design and Fabrication of Balconies 

Shawton Engineering designed, fabricated, and installed the new balconies for ABC Buildings. Our expertise ensured that the balconies complemented the building’s historical architecture while providing contemporary functionality. 

The new balconies were designed to enhance the buildings’ usability for modern industry and leisure purposes. By integrating seamlessly with the existing architecture, they provide additional outdoor space for tenants and visitors, adding value to the property and enhancing its appeal. 

Challenges and Solutions 

The transformation of the ABC Buildings posed several challenges, particularly in blending modern elements with the historic structure. Shawton Engineering’s approach focused on preserving the building’s character while introducing contemporary features. 

Adding balconies to the ABC Buildings has revitalised the space, making it more attractive and functional for modern-day living and working. These enhancements support the building’s new role as a hub for modern industry and leisure, contributing to the vibrancy of Manchester city centre. 

The successful implementation of this project underscores Shawton Engineering’s capability to handle complex renovations and transformations, particularly in historically significant buildings. 

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Shawton Engineering was thrilled to be commissioned for the Manchester Tower of Light and Energy Centre project. This challenging and prestigious project involved modelling and constructing a complex stainless steel structure designed to house a new Combined Heat and Power (CHP) system for Manchester City Council.

Our team’s expertise and dedication to excellence were vital to successfully fabricating and assembling this intricate structure. The 40-metre tall tower was entirely fabricated in our specialist workshop, showcasing our ability to handle large-scale, complex projects with precision and efficiency. 

Architectural Design 

The biometric structure of the Tower of Light follows the Shell Lace Structure, pioneered by Tonkin Liu and developed in collaboration with engineers at Arup. Inspired by the natural geometrics found in nature, the tower’s design emphasises strength through form. This ultra-light, ultra-thin single-surface structure maximises efficiency by using minimal materials. 

Crafted from 6mm and 8mm thick flat steel sheets, the material is precisely tailored, laser-cut, and welded together to form a curved, rigid surface. The innovative Shell Lace Structure was created using modern construction techniques, including advanced digital modelling, analysis, fabrication, and tailoring principles. This project represents the largest Shell Lace Structure ever constructed. 

Efficient Fabrication and Assembly 

One of the standout aspects of this project was our ability to complete the tower fabrication within six months. This rapid turnaround time was made possible by our state-of-the-art facilities and the skilled craftsmanship of our team. 

The Tower of Light is a prime example of our capability to deliver high-quality intricate structures under tight deadlines and exacting standards. Our meticulous approach ensured that every aspect of the project met the highest quality and safety standards, fulfilling the client’s vision and requirements. 

Tower of Light Awards

Due to the successful completion of the project and its iconic design, the Tower of Light has won numerous awards worldwide. This includes the winner of the RIBA North West Awards 2023, the winner of the International Architecture Awards 2023, the winner of the Building Beauty Awards 2022, the winner of the Structural Design Awards 2022, and many, many more. 

Dedication to Excellence 

Our involvement in the Tower of Light and Energy Centre project highlights Shawton Engineering’s excellence and innovation in engineering. We pride ourselves on tackling complex projects and delivering outstanding results that meet and exceed client expectations. 

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