Coppermaker Square

Maximising value across multiple areas through lean value engineering

Comprising nine residential blocks constructed over a two-storey site-wide basement alongside an 11,000m2 extension to the existing Stratford shopping centre, Walsh was required to work around the constraints of an existing DLR tunnel as well as analysing and utilising the capacity of existing structures to support the new development.

In early 2018, the ambitious and comprehensive design proposal at Coppermaker Square (known as Cherry Park at the time) was granted hybrid planning permission. Walsh was appointed at technical design stage to deliver the residential-led, high-density, mixed-use scheme directly adjacent to Westfield Stratford City.

After joining the project at stage 4 and during verification of the stage 3 scheme, Walsh proposed multiple areas for maximising value, with proposals that resulted in 14% fewer piles with smaller diameter, a £2.5m saving in structural steel, a 53% saving in foundation excavation and a £1.5m saving in reinforcement.

A development of this scale is not without its challenges and one of the largest faced was in the stability analysis for the two tallest residential towers of 38 and 30 storeys. In order to increase structural mass and provide damping to wind induced accelerations, screed had been introduced on all levels at the previous stage. Together with wind tunnel testing and detailed stability analysis, Walsh was able to omit the screed whilst confirming suitable modal responses, lateral movements and comfortability criteria.