SAGA Headquarter

This site is located on the south coast and is unsheltered from the prevailing south westerly winds.

Approximately six months after hand-over of the main building, during the first winter, problems began to arise. Clear Structures was appointed as engineers to assess the defects and to devise suitable remedial measures.

The five storey glass atrium to the south elevation was leaking throughout. During storm conditions the atrium was said to vibrate and rattle. Clear Structures analysed the atrium glass structure, the 30m span trusses and designed retro fit strengthening whilst not upsetting the original aesthetic.

To the north of the building, the structural steelwork is exposed as an architectural detail. The paintwork, flashings and waterproofing to this elevation were not performing adequately. Rust patches and streaking were easily visible on the exposed steelwork from ground level. During periods of heavy rain, water could be seen pooling within the offices.

There were also problems with the waterproofing of the basement offices and flooding occurred regularly. Clear Structures coordinated the excavation of the grounds & inspected the waterproofing, redesigning the waterproofing to large areas of the offices.