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20.7.2018

Riverlight Receives RIBA Recognition

The Riverlight development by main contractor St James in Battersea was chosen as one of the RIBA London winners for 2018, the flagship development at Nine Elms, Battersea features the complex steel ‘Exoskeleton’ and signature distinctive coloured balconies.

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has been recognising the best architecture and architects for over 180 years, the internationally acclaimed RIBA Awards Events are held every year at the headquarters in Portland Place, London.

The Riverlight development by main contractor St James in Battersea was chosen as one of the RIBA London winners for 2018, the flagship development at Nine Elms, Battersea features the complex steel ‘Exoskeleton’ and signature distinctive coloured balconies.

Barretts of Aspley worked closely with the structural engineers on the project, Ramboll, at pre-tender stage in order to assist with refining engineering details into workable construction details.

Following the design stage, Barretts of Aspley successfully tendered and secured the contract to deliver the structural and architectural steelwork to the concrete frame contractor, Expanded, part of the Laing O’Rourke Group.

Due to the complexities of the installation sequence, it was imperative that both BOA and Expanded continued to work closely together to formulate the construction programme that allowed seamless co-ordination to avoid delays to the client’s requirements.

All stages of structural and architectural steelwork design, manufacturing, finishing, transportation and installation management were completed at Barretts of Aspley's North Common Farm facility, the extensive production capability and renowned experience with large scale projects was the key to guaranteeing that the accelerated delivery programmes were met.

RIBA gave the following statement on the Riverlight project:
“Aptly named, this series of dense housing fingers responds to its impressive site by cleverly manipulating its mass and circulation to offer daylight and views of the river to all of its residents. The bold diagram and structural system also offers generous public realm to all those that ambulate along the Thames.

Six narrow blocks orientated north south provide east or west facing units that line linear gardens or commercial squares; landscapes that provide the public and residents views to the river. The spaces created are punctuated with organic islands of greenery and threaded with water features that bring life and a soothing acoustic.

Expressed structural members bring dexterity and lightness to the long facades and allow a reading of the buildings forces from ground props to the switched structure of the gull wing roofs. Colour brings further vibrancy to elevations of double storey expressive concrete, diagonal steels and lightweight balconies.

In its part, it offers bright sunlit space for all, both externally and internally and in its effortless construction it offers beautiful reflection, a lightness of touch and vibrant colour to this important transition site on the edge of the Battersea Power Station regeneration.”

Contractor: St James Group

Structural Engineers: Ramboll

Architects: Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners and EPR Architects

Barretts of Aspley would like to congratulate all parties involved with Riverlight’s award recognition and success, it is a project that we were very proud to have played such a key role in delivering. The RIBA award is testament to the vision, expertise and hard work of design team, and the recognition is thoroughly deserved.

For more information on Barretts of Aspley's involvement with the Riverlight project, visit our case studies page.


Pictures courtesy of EPR Architects, Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, St James Group.

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