At 2 Finsbury Avenue, Cementation Skanska demonstrated integrity, collaboration and technical expertise to deliver a complex, net zero-aligned foundation solution in a highly constrained city environment.

Acting as a trusted partner to Sir Robert McAlpine and British Land, the team provided a fully integrated, self-delivered approach — ensuring certainty on programme, quality and cost. Through close collaboration and innovative engineering, including advanced monitoring and low-carbon materials, the project showcases how specialist expertise and a commitment to doing the right thing can simplify complexity and enable sustainable, future-ready development.

The project

Cementation Skanska was appointed by Sir Robert McAlpine to deliver foundation works for the new 2 Finsbury Avenue development on behalf of British Land.

Located in the heart of the City of London, the scheme comprises two towers — a 38-storey East tower and a 23-storey West tower — connected by a 13-storey podium above a three-level basement.

Designed to set new standards for sustainable commercial development, the project targets net zero carbon and
incorporates recycled and low-carbon materials, alongside a flexible design that responds to the evolving needs of modern workplaces.

Cementation Skanska was selected for its ability to self-deliver complex foundation, temporary and enabling works, providing a fully integrated solution from the outset.

The solution

A coordinated and technically robust approach underpinned delivery on this constrained city centre site. Two large rotary rigs were deployed to install deep, large-diameter piles up to 58 metres, with the capability to core through existing foundations and construct under-reamed bases.

The works included 280 piles forming a hard/firm secant wall around the 270-metre basement perimeter. Of the 140 secondary piles, 86 incorporated kingposts to support the superstructure.

In addition, 78 bearing piles (900-1800mm diameter) were installed using polymer support fluid, with 60 of these accommodating plunge columns. Primary piles were constructed using 95% GGBS concrete, supporting the project’s low-carbon ambitions.

Advanced monitoring and testing techniques, including fibre optic systems and CemOptics, provided real-time insight into pile integrity and ground behaviour — enhancing quality assurance and long-term performance understanding.

Cementation Skanska’s in-house steel fabrication capability enabled the manufacture of complex plunge columns, precisely integrated with the superstructure steelwork. Alongside piling, the team also delivered a range of associated works, including basement propping, environmental monitoring, piling support and temporary works design.

The outcome

Through close collaboration with the project team and a fully integrated delivery approach, the works were completed on programme and to a high standard of safety, quality and environmental performance.
The project demonstrates Cementation Skanska’s ability to deliver complex foundation solutions in constrained urban environments — supporting the creation of sustainable, future-ready developments in the heart of the City.

2 Finsbury Avenue

2 Finsbury Avenue

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