One Thames Quay

Close interface with wind tunnel reduces concrete high-rise stability system by 20%

Formerly known as 225 Marsh Wall, this £230m mixed-use development consists of a 48-storey residential tower located in the Isle of Dogs providing 332 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, including 71 on-site affordable homes, with the ground, LO1 and LO2 floors being utilised for commercial space.

Walsh was appointed to deliver the project from RIBA Stage 3 to completion and build upon the original schemes.

Coordinating Form and Function

The tower’s distinctive structural step-back at Level 2 separates the residential sections from the amenity areas. Walsh worked closely with the design team to coordinate the structure, ensuring it accommodated walking columns that achieved the architectural vision while maintaining a simple and efficient structural solution.

Innovative solutions for tall building challenges

One Thames Quay was constructed using an RC frame, chosen for its excellent fire resistance and acoustic performance. To enhance future adaptability, the original post-tensioned slabs were replaced with RC slabs, offering greater flexibility for structural modifications by residents.

Efficiency and quality were further improved through the use of precast construction methods. By leveraging conventional techniques, the team accelerated the build programme while maintaining robust structural integrity.

Precision was key to the stability design. Modulus testing was employed to ensure accurate analysis and performance, reflecting Walsh’s commitment to thorough engineering. In addition, wind tunnel testing was carried out to assess and optimise the building’s response to wind loads, ensuring resilience and comfort in varying weather conditions.

In-depth analysis

A value engineering exercise was undertaken with the Geotechnical consultant to interrogate the design. An innovative piled raft foundation increased capacity whilst significantly reducing the need for extensive piling. Analysis of on-site ground conditions enabled the strategic design of foundations, leveraging existing gravels to minimise piling requirements.

This innovative approach not only minimised construction costs but also demonstrated a sustainable use of resources.

Low-carbon and energy-efficient considerations

One Thames Quay exemplifies a commitment to low-carbon and energy-efficient practices through various strategies:

• Material reduction was a key focus, with reduced concrete usage in the stability system by approximately 20%.
•  Additionally, cement replacement techniques decreased the carbon footprint associated with concrete production.
• Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDs) were integrated into the design to manage stormwater runoff effectively, reducing environmental impact.

Walsh set internal embodied carbon targets lower than industry standards, demonstrating a proactive approach to carbon footprint reduction. This approach not only aligns with sustainability goals but also enhances the building’s environmental performance and reduces long-term operational costs.

How we reduced costs and accelerated programme

This project exemplifies Walsh’s structural engineering approach of driving efficiency on tall buildings through innovation and evidence-driven design to deliver sustainability, cost and programme savings to the client, including:

• 20% concrete reduction in the stability system
• Reworked grid, achieving a low-density 200-thick RC slab
• 25% reduction in the piling requirements
• Embodied carbon targets set lower than the industry standard
• Enhancing the building’s environmental performance and reducing operational costs