Riverlight
Supporting UN Sustainable Development Goals
Project description
Riverlight is a landmark riverside residential development in London’s Nine Elms regeneration zone, on a former industrial estate beside the Thames. The masterplan comprises six staggered buildings of varying height and length, designed to optimize views, daylight and permeability. It includes 813 apartments (112 affordable), landscaped gardens, riverside walkways, shared amenities such as a wellness club, gym and pool, and a two-storey basement beneath parts of the site.
Design constraints
The site’s industrial heritage created uncertainty in ground conditions, requiring robust foundation strategies for multiple buildings and basement areas. Its riverside location imposed flood resilience and durability requirements, alongside structural interaction with the river wall. Architectural goals for staggered blocks added complexity in load paths, movement joints and dynamic behaviour. Maximising daylight and flexibility further challenged structural layouts and service integration.
Engineering response
The design integrated structure as part of the architectural expression. External steel bracing served as both a visual signature and a primary lateral system, balanced with internal shear walls for stability. Sequencing was optimized: concrete frames and cladding progressed independently of bracing, reducing trade overlap. Bracing connections stopped short of ground level to avoid differential movement, enabling a lighter, more elegant solution compared to typical heavy external bracing systems.
Impact
Riverlight exemplifies seamless integration of architecture and structure. Exposed bracing gives the development its distinctive Thames-side identity while fulfilling critical structural roles. The refined detailing avoided redundant elements, improving efficiency and buildability. Independent structural systems streamlined construction and minimised risk. The result is a visually-light, transparent design that enhances openness and sets a benchmark for externally braced high-rise residential projects.
Mark Boyle, as Project Director and structural design lead, and Alex Edmonds worked on this project while they were with Ramboll.
