The major architectural feature that will give the Skanska built Moor House its unique look started to take shape this week when the first section of a giant curved steel ‘bandolier’ that will stretch 84 metres from level one to the top floor was lifted into place.
The ‘bandolier’ is a central element of Moor House’s curved façade that is designed to ensure the building does not obscure a viewing corridor from the City to St. Paul's Cathedral. The 'bandolier' facilitates this curvature by acting as a crossbar brace that bisects the convergence of the curved surfaces.
When complete in November 2003, the ‘bandolier’ will provide an eye-catching point on the 18-story façade of the Foster-designed building, located adjacent to Moorgate station in London.
The first ‘bandolier’ section, weighing 8.4 tonnes and 12 metres long, was successfully connected by Skanska to the first floor. Each of the further seven ‘bandolier’ sections that arrive will be a different shape and size as they are fixed together to rise above the London skyline.
Skanska is using an array of modern technology, including the latest CAD and clash detection software, to build the complex development, assisted by Moor House’s project engineer Arup.
Each ‘bandolier‘ segment arrives on a just-in-time basis, as storage on the confined site is limited. This factor has led to other innovations on the project, including sections of steel frame and floor decking for the curved perimeter being pre-fabricated off-site and lifted into place on delivery.
Another milestone reached by Moor House this week was the completion of the 87-metre high concrete core.
When completed by summer next year, Moor House will be a mixed office and retail development. It is being built for developer Greycoat.