ENVIRODOMES LAUNCHES CROSS VAULT PROJECT

EnviroDomes is excited to report that the company’s first cross vault project is underway, with documents lodged for a planning permit. The design team from EnviroDomes has been working with Les and Julianne from Flyfaire Wines on the creation of the winery’s new cellars and function centre.

The EnviroDomes Neo Cross Vault system revives a construction technique employed broadly by ancient civilisations; the basis of which is barrel vaults intersecting at right angles. The EnviroDomes system replaces intricate formwork and onsite construction with accurate precast concrete components, which are bolted together onsite and then craned into position to sit on top of the columns and interconnect.

Cross vaults are generally below ground, due to their massive load bearing capabilities, but can also be constructed above ground and covered with sod roofs.

The current format relies on columns at 5-metre centres in both directions; however, an expanded grid of 6m x 6m will also be available. The broader format is more suitable for carparks - whether underground or above ground - as well as within buildings and/or under sporting fields.

The efficiency of the system is such that the works program for new cellars at Flyfaire Wines shows, following excavation, the 250m² project will be complete and ready for occupation in two weeks.

For structural integrity, the system requires the load to be applied from above, either from earth cover or from a building. Load from a building is the construction method Flyfaire Wines have opted for.

The floor of the new function centre will be installed directly over the cross vaults. A folded steel staircase will provide internal access between the cellars and the function centre. Both the floor and staircase works are incorporated into the two-week timeframe. 

For the Flyfaire Cellars vault, the steel columns remain exposed at the client's request. While this is aesthetically appropriate for this project, columns can also be wrapped with brick, rock, or other materials. Steel plate gussets bracing the cap plate, emanate from each corner of the SHS column and shape up to visually extend the steel plate edges of the concrete leaves.

Steel plate gussets bracing the cap plate, emanate from each corner of the SHS column and shape up to visually extend the steel plate edges of the concrete leaves.

Although precast components are unyielding, the EnviroDomes design team has intimate knowledge of the product and know how to achieve the optimum result for each individual project. Contact the team today to discuss your next project.