Boxpark Croydon: Tenos have fire engineering strategy all ‘boxed-up’

Boxpark Croydon; one of the most intriguing projects we have worked on. This revolutionary structural concept has received widespread publicity across local and national media, including coverage on the BBC News.

Boxpark first established itself in the heart of London’s Shoreditch in 2011. This was the world’s first “pop-up mall”, fusing the concepts of modern street food and placing local and global brands side by side creating a unique shopping and dining experience.

What makes the development especially unique is that is constructed of stripped and refitted shipping containers which are an intrinsic component of the Boxpark brand. At Croydon, 96 containers were utilised, modified, adapted and stacked up to three high around a central events space.

Tenos were appointed by BDP Architects to develop a fire engineering strategy for the second Boxpark development in Croydon. Given the chosen method of construction, it would come as no surprise that the building design, although providing a deceptively simple final structure fell outside of general code compliance presenting an interesting and novel challenge for our fire engineering consultants.

Using advanced fire engineering techniques, we worked closely with the design team to develop a fire engineered strategy that preserved architectural aspiration and building functionality, whilst achieving statutory approval for the client with the relevant authorities.

We also provided advice as required during the construction phase.

Boxpark Croydon, which opened in October 2016 comprises 96 units serving modern street food, fine dining, craft beer and other refreshments from the refitted shipping containers. Built around a covered courtyard, Boxpark Croydon is used all year round to host 200 events.

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Photo courtesy of Nick Caville, BDP.