Building Design reports on plans to extend London’s landmarks.

The article focuses on plans to extend Richard Seifert’s 1972 King’s Reach Tower from 30 to 41 storey. Details are scant but it appears that the tower foundations will not require strengthening albeit the existing super-structure will. There will be many technical and logistical problems to solve if the scheme progresses but it would be a landmark project, paving the way for re-think on how we expand our cities.

With examples of 8, 9 and 10 storey timber structures now complete around the globe it is worth reviewing how lightweight construction techniques could be adapted for construction sites in the sky….a timber structure could be 30% lighter than the lightest steel frame and with prefabrication on its side timber is ideally suited to easing the build process.

Image courtesy of Building Design