White Sands Scarborough

For the White Sand Scarborough project, our structural engineering role has involved addressing several complex challenges due to the unique architectural and functional requirements of the development. Specifically, the integration of a Woolworths supermarket within the structure has necessitated a careful consideration of the structural column grid to accommodate the large spans required for the commercial space. This has indeed posed difficulties in achieving a rational column grid for the apartments above, especially considering the need to accommodate the shear walls which cannot continue through the supermarket grid due to differing requirements.

The project’s two towers, with the tallest reaching 30 storeys, are constructed using a reinforced concrete frame and steel roof. The use of jump form systems for the cores and flat post-tensioned slabs has been critical in managing the large spans and ensuring the stability of the structure. The post-tensioned slabs, in particular, have allowed us to achieve the necessary spans for the commercial spaces at the ground floor while still supporting the residential floors above with relatively thin slab constructions.

One of the peculiar challenges has been the lateral acceleration issues encountered at the top floors of the tallest tower. This issue required innovative solutions to ensure the building’s stability and comfort for its residents. Our collaboration with wind consultants has been pivotal in resolving these issues, showcasing our ability to work creatively and effectively within a multidisciplinary team to address complex engineering challenges.

The project’s location, with two levels of the basement partially situated in rock, has also presented significant challenges. We have developed foundation solutions to mitigate differential settlements, ensuring the long-term stability and integrity of the structure.

Overall, our involvement in the White Sand Scarborough project illustrates our commitment to innovative structural engineering solutions that meet both the architectural vision and the practical requirements of mixed-use developments. Our work has encompassed a broad range of structural engineering services, from the design of post-tensioned slabs and jump form systems for cores to the development of clever solutions for lateral stability and foundation challenges. This project is a testament to our expertise in delivering structural engineering solutions that integrate seamlessly with complex architectural designs and contribute to the creation of functional, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing built environments