Prestigious residential development on River Thames
Merano Residences is a collection of 34 private residences designed by one of the world's most celebrated architects Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners.
The new, high-quality mixed-use development, by developers St James of Berkeley Group, will comprise three stepped bays. Each with an individual signature coloured facade and varying in height to create a dynamic skyline. The blocks, which are to be 14, 21 and 28 storeys, will accommodate apartments and office space on the lower floors.
The redevelopment of the original 1960s office building will feature two- and three-bedroom apartments of exceptional quality. All of the apartments have private balconies that benefit from views over the River Thames and Palace of Westminster. The private terrace, situated 140ft above the river and with the city below, will offer spectacular views across the heart of London.
The 0.5ha brownfield site rests between the river and a railway line. Rooms overlooking the railway will have winter gardens designed as an acoustic and aesthetic buffer.
Dearneside Fabrications Ltd has secured the ‘Balcony and Architectural Metalwork Package’ on the project with St James. Dearneside’s scope includes the balconies, winter gardens, internal architectural metalwork including the feature stairs in the penthouses, and all external metalwork.
The balconies, winter gardens and staircases within the Merano Tekla model incorporate numerous elements including mild steel, stainless steel, structural glass, timber, composite decking and aluminium cladding along with a bespoke integrated Macalloy tension bar system for the balconies. All items are encompassed within one model with the relevant information being distributed for fabrication and procurement both in-house and to external suppliers.
Phased Tekla model to suit installation
The model has been phased in balcony ‘stacks’ to suit installation requirements, which must follow immediately after the removal of each mast climber local to the balcony stacks. As the project is next to the River Thames there are no lay down areas on site, so each element when delivered has to be installed immediately via site tower cranes.
Transport logistics and lifting rigs have been integrated in the Tekla model to confirm centre of gravity lifting points and transport loading techniques. Merano is at the forefront of Nine Elms on the South Bank, the largest regeneration area in London and the UK. This 481-acre area, more than four times the size of London's Canary Wharf, is redefining the geography of central London through the creation of a whole new district.
