Residential: High-rise

As well as providing the structural frame, concrete can be used to improve the overall
performance of the building. The following list gives an indication of the many bene ts of using
concrete for a high-rise residential building.

Acoustics

Concrete’s inherent qualities make it good for acoustic performance. It is a good sound
insulator, even when the source of the sound is impact on the concrete itself. Tests have shown
that concrete can make a major contribution to the sound attenuation required to meet
Building Regulations, minimising or even eliminating additional nishes.

Thermal mass

A concrete structure has high thermal mass. Exposed so ts allow fabric energy storage (FES),
regulating temperature swings. This can reduce initial plant costs and ongoing operational costs,
while converting plant space to usable space. With the outlook of increasingly hot summers, it
makes sense to choose a material that reduces the requirement for energy intensive, high
maintenance air-conditioning.

Airtightness

All the Building Regulations in the UK require pre-completion pressure testing to demonstrate
airtightness (Part L in England and Wales, Section 6 in Scotland and Part F in Northern Ireland).
Failing these tests means a time consuming process of inspecting joints and interfaces, resealing
where necessary. Concrete edge details are simpler to seal, with less failure risk. Some
contractors have switched to concrete frames on this criterion alone.

Concrete solutions

Flat slab

Flat slabs are slabs that are supported directly on columns without any beams. They are highly
versatile elements widely used in construction, providing minimum depth, fast construction and
allowing exible column grids.

Post-tensioned at slab

Post-tensioning is a method of prestressing that o ers the thinnest slab type, as concrete is
worked to its strengths, mostly being kept in compression. Longer spans can be achieved due to
prestress, which can also be used to control de ections.
 

Read our case studies which feature high-rise buildings:

The Shard, London

One Blackfriars, London