The Corniche, London
Contractors: St James Group Ltd
Architect: Foster + Partners Ltd
Groundworker: A.J. Morrisroe & Sons Ltd
Challenge
The Corniche is a St James Group development made up of three landmark towers on the Albert Embankment along the south bank of the River Thames. Ranging from 15 to 27 storeys high, this new scheme provides more than 250 riverside apartments, including affordable homes for senior living. As a mixed-use space, The Corniche also incorporates offices, restaurants, a spa and a 19th floor Skyline Club lounge complete with an infinity pool which gives spectacular panoramic views across London.
Its curved features are a refreshing step away from the linear appearance we have come to expect from high-rise buildings and the towers have been designed to catch the sunlight and mirror the meandering river below. As part of the £15 billion Nine Elms regeneration project, these towers are an eye-catching addition to the capital’s cityscape and an important component of its riverside community which continues to grow both in number and vibrancy. Grant Brooker, Senior Partner at Foster + Partners said, “We hope to transform this important and highly visible site into a vibrant riverside community that sets a benchmark for the regeneration of this part of the river” and business locale will also feature the iconic Battersea Power Station in its new guise as a luxury accommodation and leisure development.
Solution
With its riverside location and a basement housing two levels of car parking and a cinema, a waterproof concrete admixture with a proven track record like PUDLO’s was imperative for these towers. Having already been chosen to waterproof other Nine Elms sites, including Riverlight and The Merano, PUDLO was once again the preferred option to provide the waterproofing solution for The Corniche. Located between the Thames and a major rail viaduct, the basement had to be carefully planned and executed with any potential ground movements identified and managed throughout both design and construction.
Result
The Corniche is one of many cutting-edge, residential superstructures shooting up along the water’s edge as part of the rebirth of the Nine Elms area. Completed in 2019, the Corniche has garnered high demand from potential Thames-side residents looking for a chunk of prime London real estate.