Representing the first collaboration between world-renowned fashion label Versace Home and a residential property in London, this 50-storey tower is perfectly positioned within Nine Elms, opening out to breath-taking views to the iconic Battersea Power Station and up the river Thames to London city.

Bourne Steel were appointed to install the link bridge covering multiple levels between the North and South Towers. New steelwork and netting/metal decking were supplied, with a main column and brace (including splice connections) spanning 5 floors.

Main contractor Multiplex provided a temporary crash deck spanning between the North and South tower. A complex scaffold design was carried out, with input from Bourne who provided install methodology and temporary works during install. The new link bridge steelwork was installed from the temporary crash deck using a mix of mobile towers and small access equipment. The steel laydown area was located on the roof of the south tower, with HALFEN channels installed by others for steel connections.

Some challenging aspects of the project included the logistics of distributing and storing materials and steel on the south tower’s roof, as well as the effect of exposed weather and wind funnelling between the two structures. Engineering tolerance and as-built surveys needed to be accurate when installing steel between two independent structures (which move independently, albeit slightly).

Programme was a key driver on this project, with the final level installed to be used as a swimming pool and requiring completion on time to release further works. All new steelwork was intumescent painted and finished to a high standard, with the main brace and column left exposed in its final condition. Safety was paramount working at height and close the main rail line into Waterloo Station and busy streets below.