Construction of Phase VIII of the Somfa Liget residential estate is underway using hybrid construction methods, prefabricated elements and the LEAN organisation model

State-of-the-art electrical and safety systems

The block of flats is supplied with 3×1,250-ampere power; safety in the communal areas is ensured by emergency lighting, a fire alarm system, heat and smoke extraction, a CO detection system and a pressurised stairwell.

„The shared mechanical systems are controlled by an automation system” – explained István Brezovszky, the electrical facilities manager.

Aluminium cladding is also being introduced as a new façade element

The design of the façade essentially follows the technical solutions used in previous phases, featuring 10-centimetre-thick EPS thermal insulation, a plastered façade and plastic windows and doors.

Eszter Smekálné Oláh, a design engineer, explains that, as a new feature, Prefa aluminium cladding will also be used as a decorative element on certain façade surfaces.

The disciplines are being aligned in line with the LEAN approach

When constructing a residential building of this size, the structural, mechanical, electrical, façade and interior finishing teams all work simultaneously; this is why ongoing coordination is of paramount importance.

A key role in this is played by the LEAN system used by STRABAG, which is based on the continuous optimisation of processes, the reduction of losses and the coordination of workflows. The essence of the method is that all participants jointly plan the tasks for the coming period on a weekly basis, enabling the various departments to build on each other’s work and proceed without any conflicts.

„We hold weekly internal coordination meetings – amongst the main contractors – where we exchange information, clarify details and work together to mitigate risks in line with the LEAN approach; we then communicate the final outcome using all available means – the construction log, subcontractor coordination, joint weekly scheduling in accordance with LEAN, and the BIM platform – to the subcontractors,” emphasised Zsolt Bencze, Head of General Contracting.

Construction traffic is organised in a way that takes the local environment into account

Traffic is being channelled via Ceglédi út to minimise disruption to the surrounding residential areas. In consultation with the local council, the contractors are carrying out work that generates significant noise only on weekdays.

Zoltán Tímár, the site manager, explained that quiet operation was a key consideration for the continuously running dewatering pumps, whilst the access routes were regularly hosed down during the earthworks to reduce dust.

Particular attention must be paid to the construction of the underground car park and the organisation of the worksite

Due to the high water table, the cellar walls are constructed using a watertight reinforced concrete structure, which requires particular attention to the concreting process, the construction schedule and the finishing work. In addition, certain rooms with dust-dry requirements will also be fitted with additional external waterproofing.

„As the reference groundwater level is 2.65 metres above the top surface of the floor slab, we must construct a watertight reinforced concrete cellar wall, whilst ensuring that the correct concrete technology, phased construction and finishing are applied. Furthermore, we have rooms with dust-dry requirements, where we even need to install additional external waterproofing” – said Péter Jenei, a preparatory engineer.

Construction is further complicated by the fact that, from the laying of the foundations until the completion of the floor slab above the first floor, the site is considered to be almost entirely a built-up work area; consequently, access is only possible on foot via the building itself. To mitigate this, the contractors are also incorporating the neighbouring plots into their organisation. This is where the material storage areas have been set up, from which tower cranes transport the necessary components to the construction site.

When organising the workspace, the principles of the STRABAG’s own 5S system are also applied; this is a methodology designed to ensure an orderly and safe working environment. The English acronym encompasses five basic principles: Sort (sorting), Systematise (organising), Shine (keeping clean), Standardise (standardisation) and Self-discipline (self-discipline). This is complemented by the company’s „Stop! – Think! – Act!” approach to health and safety, which prioritises safe working practices.

According to the contractors, the biggest challenge of the project is not a technical detail, but the extremely tight deadline.

The construction of Phase VIII will require a total of approximately 7,662 cubic metres of concrete, 851 tonnes of reinforcing steel and 12,342 square metres of masonry materials.

STRABAG TEAM OF EXPERTS:

• József Cserháti – site manager responsible for structural works
• István Brezovszky – electrical installations manager
• Ákos Tiszóczi – mechanical engineer in charge of the facility
• Eszter Smekálné Oláh – design engineer
• Zsolt Bencze – Head of General Contracting
• Zoltán Tímár – site manager
• Péter Jenei – design engineer
• Martin Dán – Project Manager (INETON)
• Csaba Knoll – project manager