Project Overview
The client required a green field fit-for-purpose fruit packaging facility to accommodate both Avocado and Kiwi fruit in one facility, but different handling and refrigeration protocols. The location is adjacent to their operational sugar mill on a steep sloping site which needs to link to the existing internal road network for delivery and dispatch. All associated services for the operation of the pack house must be accommodated on site including plant, equipment, support services, staff amenities, office space and storage. A primary driver in the design brief was to implement an optimal functioning building to process the required volumes as efficient as possible. The function therefore is the driver of the form. Structural Framing was achieved by using short concrete stubs to house HD bolts and ensure reinforcing anchorage into the raft foundation system. From HD Bolts structural steel columns, some requiring lateral restraints, were used to support a trussed system that were supported perpendicularly with internal girders. Moments caused by self weight or wind actions were transferred via column to truss connections.
