Ben Ainslie Racing Headquarters
The Ben Ainslie Racing Headquarters in Portsmouth was conceived as a state-of-the-art facility to support Sir Ben Ainslie’s 2021 America’s Cup challenge. Designed to house boat manufacturing, crew amenities, offices, and a public visitor centre, the building needed to reflect the prestige of the event while meeting ambitious sustainability goals. With a fast-tracked programme and evolving design requirements, the project demanded exceptional coordination and adaptability from all involved.
Our Role
Brookbanks played a pivotal role in the successful delivery of the project by contributing structural engineering expertise and leading the integration of 3D Building Information Modelling (BIM). The team collaborated closely with architects and services engineers to develop a flexible steel superstructure that could accommodate late-stage design changes, including mezzanine additions and complex service routes. Brookbanks also guided the selection of fire and corrosion protection systems tailored to the building’s varied environments, ensuring compliance and durability without compromising the schedule.
The Outcome
Delivered on time and within budget, the Ben Ainslie Racing HQ achieved an EPC A rating, BREEAM Excellent certification, and ISO 20121 compliance. The building’s innovative design, sustainable features, and future-proofed layout have made it a landmark in Portsmouth Harbour. Brookbanks’ collaborative approach and technical leadership were instrumental in overcoming the challenges of a compressed timeline and evolving brief, resulting in a facility that continues to serve both commercial and community purposes.
Project Highlights
- Structural Engineering
- 3D Modelling
Sectors
Brookbanks Groups
Key Team Members
Group Structural Engineering Director
Chris Vivian
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