ICE London Civil Engineering Awards 2013
The Place
Principal Contractor (Design & Build): Mace
Client: Sellar Property Group
Project Manager: Turner and Townsend
Lead Architect: Renzo Piano Building Workshop
Structural & Services Engineer: WSP Cantor Seinuk
Executive Architect: Adamson-Associates
Steelwork Subcontractor: Severfield-Reeve Structures Ltd
Concrete Subcontractor: Byrne Brothers
Images 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10 © Mace. Image 6 © Sellar Property Group
The Place project was subject to the following unique challenges:
1) Remodelling London Bridge Bus station by Christmas 2011 as part of an Olympic London 2012 Deliverable.
2) Building a basement structure immediately adjacent to and over LUL assets, whilst also accommodating Museum of London Archaeology.
3) Cantilevering a structure over an operational bus station.
4) Constructing a complex steelwork structure which experiences rotation due to out-of balance forces.
5) Keeping one of the busiest transport hubs in Central London operational, whilst demolishing and constructing LUL assets.
A creative approach was adopted to a construction methodology & structural solution to impose as little environmental impact as possible, keeping the transport hub operational, and ensuring a safety behavioural culture at all times.
A 61 tonne protection fan was developed to protect the public from any falling objects. The Place has an innovative and complex steel frame which cantilevers over London Bridge bus station & live LUL assets, allowing it to grab 50% more space than otherwise would be possible.
To achieve the volume and geometry required, the structure was suspended, continuously monitored and jacked. During construction, the building experienced rotation of the cores due to significant out-of-balance forces. Part of the complex temporary works scheme had to bridge over live LUL assets including two live escalator tunnels.
The build includes both demolition and construction of vital elements to the London Bridge Station. The construction site includes LUL escape routes and essential vent shafts, which had to be managed and redefined throughout each construction stage. Special attention was given to noise, vibration and movement monitoring.
A top-down construction approach allowed the Museum of London to expose a medieval skeleton and remains of central heated Roman villas. The Place redefines London Bridge offering a new piazza, retail mall, and targeting a BREEAM Outstanding rated office. Local engagement actively sought by targeting local employment and receipt of a Bronze Considerate Contractors Awards.
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