Merano Residences: London’s Innovative Luxury High-Rise

Merano Residences, a luxury high-rise development on London’s Albert Embankment, exemplifies innovative engineering and architectural excellence. Completed in 2017, this 28-storey tower features premium residential apartments, three levels of office space, a ground-floor café, and a three-level basement for parking and plant. Located near the River Thames with panoramic views of Westminster and the City of London, the structure stands as a landmark of both form and function.

The project faced significant challenges due to its proximity to the busy Albert Embankment road and the critical railway lines servicing Waterloo Station. The confined site required meticulous planning, including consultations with Network Rail, TfL, and party wall negotiations with neighboring properties. The site's constraints necessitated a precise and efficient design approach, with a focus on minimizing disruption during construction.

Ramboll engineered a hybrid structural solution featuring a precast reinforced concrete frame with exposed steel cross-bracing, providing lateral stability and contributing to the building's unique architectural identity. The wide column grid allowed for flexible internal layouts, while lightweight steel balconies were suspended from the concrete columns, enhancing both structural efficiency and the building’s vibrant aesthetic. Additionally, a central concrete shear wall system and external bracing ensured the building’s stability in all directions, while the basement construction, within close proximity to the railway viaducts, was expertly managed using a top-down construction approach.

Offsite manufacturing played a crucial role in reducing site disruption, minimizing waste, and ensuring a high-quality finish. The decision to use precast concrete not only accelerated the construction timeline but also reduced the environmental impact by lowering vehicle movements and optimizing material use. The structure’s durability and potential for future deconstruction further enhance its sustainability profile.

Merano Residences demonstrates the effectiveness of hybrid construction in delivering a high-quality, sustainable, and visually striking building. The project was completed efficiently, with the 28-storey frame erected in just 62 weeks, setting a benchmark for future high-rise developments. Through innovative engineering, Ramboll provided a solution that maximized value, minimized environmental impact, and created a lasting architectural icon on London’s skyline.