GWQ Tower, UK.

This new 26 storey residential tower is the signature building for the new Great West Quarter development in West London. The building is oval in plan and comprises 2 levels of basement, 11 levels of Apart Hotel, 15 floors of residential accommodation and a 2 storey restaurant. 

Winward Dexter was appointed for the project after demonstrating their ability to significantly reduce the structure for the building. This included removing shear walls, minimising the thickness of core walls, reducing column sizes and making the floors thinner. 

The structure now comprises 200mm thick flat reinforced concrete floors, locally post-tensioned where required supported by a reinforced concrete core and concrete blade columns. Stability is provided by the cantilever core and outrigger walls where necessary. 

The outer cladding comprises curtain walling supported on the outer edge of the floors at each level. In conjunction with the inner stud wall this provides a ventilated façade, providing natural ventilation and improved thermal qualities.