One Thames Quay

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

Project Overview

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.

Key Features

A key feature of the tower is a distinctive step-back of the structure at Level 2, separating the residential sections from the amenity areas and achieves a beautiful architectural feature that helps the tower stand out.

Walsh worked closely with the design team to coordinate the structure to accommodate walking columns that achieved the architectural vision, while keeping the structural solution simple and efficient.

Solutions overcoming the challenges associated with tall buildings

1. Constructed using an RC frame with inherently good fire resistance and acoustic performance, the slabs were changed from PT to RC providing greater flexibility for structural alterations by future residents.
2. Precast construction methods were employed enhancing efficiency and quality of the building process. Leveraging conventional methods allowed for faster construction while maintaining structural integrity.
3. Modulus testing was utilised for stability design, demonstrating a commitment to precision and thorough analysis in ensuring structural safety and performance.
4. Wind tunnel testing was conducted to assess and optimise the building’s response to wind loads, ensuring its resilience and stability in adverse 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 allowed for the strategic design of foundations, leveraging existing gravels to reduce 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. Not only aligning with sustainability goals but enhancing the building’s environmental performance and reducing long-term operational costs.

How we helped to reduce costs and accelerate the 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 industry standard
• Enhancing building’s environmental performance and reducing operational costs