Designing a major mixed-use precinct in the centre of Canberra requires more than efficient floor plates. At London Central, the structural strategy must respond to light rail surcharge loading, deep basement excavation, variable rock conditions and the demands of building three towers over a shared podium and basement.
Hera Engineering is providing structural engineering services for the $500 million London Central precinct for Capital Property Group, working closely with Construction Control and the broader consultant team.
The project comprises three basement carpark levels, a shared podium and three towers accommodating office and retail spaces. One of the key design challenges has been the proximity of Canberra’s light rail network, which imposes surcharge loading on the basement structure and influences the excavation, retention and foundation strategy.
Below ground, the basement and foundation design must respond to variable rock and ground conditions, with careful consideration of differential settlement across the development. Above ground, the structural system has been developed to carry tower columns continuously through the podium and basement to the foundations, removing transfer structures and improving load-path efficiency.
The superstructure incorporates post-tensioned slabs to optimise floor plate efficiency, reduce slab thickness, control deflection and minimise material use. In-situ jumped cores support both lateral stability and efficient vertical construction sequencing.
Close coordination between the structural and facade systems has also been central to the design, allowing the glass facade to integrate with the primary structure while maintaining architectural flexibility and construction efficiency.
With bulk excavation underway, the project continues to progress through one of its most technically demanding stages.
