Feasibility studies
A feasibility study tends to be defined as a study which identifies the potential and limitations of a specific building or property. The property may already have been developed, but this is not always the case. When performing feasibility studies on land that has not been developed, we put together a team taken from companies within our network, in order to provide a comprehensive study. We also do this when we wish to compile a report on all the disciplines within a building stock. For more information on this, see the section describing interdisciplinary collaboration across our network.
The Buildings Department performs structural feasibility studies on existing buildings and new buildings. In order to provide the client with as much information as possible for essential decisions which must be made in terms of building applications, it is vital to clarify which framework conditions apply to building stock. These conditions may be in relation to opportunities and limitations in structures, foundations and local ground conditions, but may also be external factors such as future plans for the area, adjacent buildings, zoning plans, etc.
Flexibility is often a keyword that is applied to feasibility studies. In order to be able to meet the needs and requirements of the various tenants, a flexible load-bearing system is an advantage. It means that later modifications to floor space can be made without major changes to the load-bearing structure of the building. Documentation of a building’s load-bearing capacity and analyses of spare capacity are also framework conditions which are important to clarify when performing a feasibility study.
Most structures can be strengthened in order to give a building the desired capacity during renovation work, but there is a limit in terms of how much strengthening work can be carried out before the cost outweighs the benefit. It is important to set these limits for a feasibility study, in order not to put a great deal of work into something that will not create added value for the project. Aas-Jakobsen’s experienced engineers have been involved in numerous and varied projects, and this has given them experience which is particularly valuable when performing feasibility studies.
In a renovation situation, every proposal for changes to an existing structure must be studied in terms of buildability. In these situations, this tends to mean accessibility and whether or not building materials can easily be transported into the building. These are all factors which must be taken into consideration when choosing a solution. Safety is another aspect which must be carefully considered. Lack of space and changes to an existing structure often mean that specialist operations are required. It is important to identify these in advance, so that all the necessary measures can be implemented in the design work and later in the execution phase.
Cost analyses of proposed solutions is often part of a feasibility study. These give the client the opportunity to prioritise solutions, both in terms of a one-off investment, but also in terms of later maintenance costs.
Aas-Jakobsen’s Buildings Department’s design work involves the full range of construction materials, and we are familiar with all the various regulations. If the client so requires, we can provide reports on the use of a range of construction material types in building stock.
We will always adapt the scope and degree of detail in a feasibility study around the needs and preferences/requirements of the client.
Creating a laboratory in an existing building
Converting offices into apartments
Extension for extra floor space
Strengthening work to satisfy vibration requirements in order to install microscopes
