The structure’s distinct asymmetrical shape – a response to planning requirements to maintain views of Cathedral – meant settlement both in the foundations and through compression of its elements would be irregular.
Exceptional engineering skills were necessary therefore, to develop a construction methodology that enabled the building to stay upright – with tolerances of plus or minus 20mm required on all but five of its floors.
To work around these constraints, much of the structure – including the cores, basement and building services – will be constructed off site. However, with components of up to 26 metres in length this creates its own challenges. Once again, the team used BIM to perfect its strategy for just-in-time assembly.