STEINBECK

Lightweight and slim elements in Ultra High Performance Concrete meet high fire safety requirements for access routes

Build Year

2024

Architect

N+P Arkitektur

Entrepreneur

Arne Andersen Vrå A/S

Engineer

Svend Poulsen

Builder

Søren Enggaard A/S

A MODERN RESIDENTIAL AREA

The construction of the new Steinbeck residential area in Aalborg, Denmark, is nearing its final phase, with several apartments already ready for occupancy. Located in the eastern part of the city, Steinbeck offers an attractive location with easy access to both urban life and green spaces. The project comprises 272 modern rental homes spread across six apartment blocks and 16 townhouses, covering approximately 23,000 m².

The facades of the residential area are now adorned with a wide range of slim elements in Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC) from Hi-Con, including access balconies/balcony galleries, custom-designed balconies, concept balconies, staircases, and columns. These slender concrete elements ensure optimal light access, meet stringent fire safety requirements for access routes, and give the facades a light and modern aesthetic.

Steinbeck is also DGNB Gold certified, ensuring high standards of quality and long-term value for both residents and the developer.

FROM STEEL BALCONIES TO UHPC SOLUTIONS

Steinbeck was originally planned with steel balconies, but after advice from the contractor, Arne Andersen Vrå A/S, UHPC elements were selected. Karsten Westergaard, Project Manager at Søren Enggaard A/S, elaborates:

"The architect initially proposed steel balconies. This was based on the construction type they had used in similar projects before, and it matched our prior experience.”

"Our contractor, Arne Andersen, encouraged us to take a closer look at the structural principles of steel balconies. As access balconies are considered emergency escape routes, we discovered strict fire safety requirements that would result in very large and heavy steel constructions. This led us to Hi-Con and Ultra High Performance Concrete."

As the contractor had previous positive experiences with Hi-Con and UHPC in other projects, Hi-Con was involved early in the process. We could provide access balconies that met the strict fire safety requirements and were one-third the thickness of the steel solution. To maintain a cohesive and slim design throughout the project, UHPC was also chosen for the project’s balconies and staircases.

"For the past 10 years, I have only worked with high-performance concrete elements. The material offers a dense surface that protects the lower units and requires minimal maintenance, resulting in an attractive solution when it fits the project’s budget." – Kent Poulsen, Project Manager at Arne Andersen Vrå A/S

ELEMENTS IN ULTRA HIGH PERFORMANCE CONCRETE

For the Steinbeck project, Hi-Con has delivered 150 identical concept balconies in light UHPC CRC i2 with a thickness of 100 mm. The balconies are designed with a one-sided slope for drainage over the front edge, as well as integrated upstands and gutters.

In addition, we have supplied 54 custom-designed balconies in 5 variants, 44 access balconies in 11 variants with a thickness of 80-95 mm, 86 columns approximately 3 meters high, and 72 staircases in 2 variants with a thickness of 80-125 mm for the project – all produced in light UHPC CRC i2.

The project was executed with close collaboration between the client, the contractor, and Hi-Con to ensure an optimal result.

"Where Hi-Con was involved in the project, I had a good dialogue with them, especially regarding design. It has been a great experience." – Karsten Westergaard, Project Manager, Søren Enggaard A/S

We are confident that our innovative concrete elements will ensure Steinbeck remains an attractive and functional residential area in Aalborg, where residents can enjoy their surroundings from their private outdoor spaces.

Read more about our solutions in UHPC here