Design Challenges The first big challenge was strengthening the existing columns in the basement and under the Bute Lane bridge link to take the new structure . This required the addition and expansion of the existing pile bases , as well as adding new rebar and width to the columns to increase their strength profile .
Architecturally , the new building is designed around the basement grid layout - which all the
Merchant Place buildings are based on - which creates a nice direct connection to the historical buildings , while showing how the same structural base can yield very different architectural results depending on how you approach it .
Another interesting challenge was dealing with the existing levels on the bridge link crossing over Bute Lane . The landscaping and water feature there previously covered a 1.5m step up where the bridge spans over
8 Merchant Place 775