Location:
Swan Residences
Client:
Sector:
Woolgar Hunter has been appointed as structural and geo-environmental engineers on the transformation of the Swan Street PBSA development in Glasgow. The former office building at 2 Swan Street in Cowcaddens has been reimagined and extended into a high quality five storey student accommodation scheme delivering 105 modern studios in response to changing commercial demand and the continued need for purpose built student housing in Glasgow.
The scheme celebrates and reuses the existing structure, originally dating from the 1960s, while introducing significant amenity and accessibility enhancements to create a contemporary living environment for future residents. Originally constructed as a two storey building and later adapted in the 1990s, the structure has been carefully stripped back to its original concrete encased steel frame to enable a comprehensive and efficient redevelopment.
Engineering Excellence
A complex programme of partial demolition and temporary works was required to maintain stability during construction. The new three storey vertical extension introduced a robust and efficient steel solution, including braced gable frames, retrofitted bracing and strengthened concrete encased steel columns, all seamlessly integrated with the original frame.
Detailed site investigations led by Woolgar Hunter’s geo-environmental team identified limitations in the existing foundations. In response, a tailored retrofit piling and strengthened ground beam solution was developed and coordinated to safely support the additional loads created by the extension.
The completed development also embraces sustainable design, incorporating a green roof and other low carbon building services to enhance environmental performance. The project showcases Woolgar Hunter’s ability to unlock value from existing buildings through innovative engineering, technical rigor and a commitment to sustainable urban regeneration.
