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We’ re now using survey technology like point-scanning and drones to create 3D models got so much data about this area, the piles, and the foundation performance, so we’ re very comfortable with what we can add or remove,” Alec says.“ A lot of the designs created 25 years ago were hand-drawn, but we’ re now using survey technology like pointscanning and drones to create 3D models. On some of our new-build plots, like One North Quay, for example, we’ re installing sensors in the piles to measure how they perform, which will provide data to help with future refurbishments.”
However, not every foundation is as easy to reach, as parts of Canary Wharf sit on marine decks over the dock.“ People walk around and often don’ t realise they’ re walking over water,” Alec says.“ Those piles go through the water and into the ground at the bottom of the dock. For buildings like 10 Cabot Square, we send divers down to inspect the piles and monitor degradation. Fortunately for One Eden and 8 Canada Square, these were built in a coffer dam, which makes this process a bit easier for us.”
While working on One Eden, CWG has been drawn into broader work around the sustainability of buildings and materials.“ We’ re using technology to challenge British Standards,” Alec states.“ The work we’ ve done with concrete, for instance, has evolved some of these standards, as we’ ve added sensors and load cells into pours to
reduce the amount of cement that goes into concrete. Collaboration is important to us; we want to create better standards across the industry, so we share any information and progress with others.”
Sustainable construction
Circular thinking also plays a key role in how the company considers repurposing not only buildings, but also the material itself. When North Quay’ s century-old false quay was removed in early 2023 to clear the way
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