Synopsis
The Drapers' Gardens redevelopment, completed in 2011, involved the construction of an office building in the Bank Conservation Area within the City of London. The confined city site and the ground conditions presented a number of challenges. The site activities commenced with the demolition of the existing 100m high tower structure. At the time it was the tallest office structure to be demolished in the UK. The perimeter support of the substructure was designed to minimise internal propping. The piled foundations re-used a substantial number from the existing piled raft.
Archaeological investigations uncovered an extensive area of preserved Roman development and water channels. The building obtained an excellent BREEAM rating which influenced the services and façade design. This led to demands on the structural design. The steel framed structure above ground is a distinctive stepped form rising to 15 storeys with spans up to 15m to satisfy the developer's desire for column-free spaces. The staircases on the south façade are a visible feature. Close working within the multi-disciplinary design team and with the main contractor ensured this complex project was efficiently completed.