Project Overview
Swann Engineering Group was appointed by Global, one of the UK's leading outdoor digital media specialists, to design, manufacture and install two landmark digital screen structures alongside the elevated A312 carriageway near Heathrow Airport.
The project involved the delivery of two standalone 22-metre-high steel towers, each supporting dual 5m x 8m portrait-orientated high-definition Daktronics digital screens. Positioned to capture the attention of both motorists and pedestrians travelling to and from Heathrow Airport, the structures provide a striking addition to Global's expanding out-of-home (OOH) advertising portfolio.
From initial concept and structural engineering through to fabrication, groundworks, transportation and final installation, Swann Engineering Group managed every stage of the project in-house, ensuring exceptional quality, efficiency and coordination throughout.
The Challenge
Constructing two large-scale digital media towers adjacent to one of London's busiest transport corridors presented several engineering and logistical challenges.
The structures needed to:
- Safely withstand significant wind loading and environmental forces.
- Support large-format digital screens while maintaining a sleek architectural appearance.
- Be transported safely within UK highway restrictions.
- Be installed adjacent to a live carriageway with minimal disruption to traffic.
- Accommodate complex electrical and data infrastructure for remotely controlled digital displays.
In addition, the project required extensive foundation works capable of supporting the substantial weight and height of each tower.
Our Solution
Innovative Structural Design
Swann's in-house chartered engineers developed the entire structural design using advanced 3D CAD modelling and structural analysis software.
Every element was engineered to ensure long-term structural integrity while also delivering an attractive, modern appearance. During the design process, the engineering team transformed the towers' structural stiffening fins into architectural design features, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.
To improve efficiency during manufacturing and installation, bespoke transport grillages and custom stillages were also designed. These enabled the digital screens to be installed vertically within their frames for comprehensive electrical testing before arriving on site.
Specialist Steel Fabrication
Manufacturing was completed at Swann Engineering Group's purpose-built fabrication facility in Braintree, Essex.
The project included fabrication of:
- Three structural steel sections for each tower
- External steel screen frames
- Bespoke transport and lifting equipment
- Precision holding-down bolt systems
All critical welds underwent rigorous Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) before each section was hot-dip galvanised to maximise long-term corrosion resistance.
Prior to delivery, both structures were fully trial assembled with the Daktronics screens installed and operational. This allowed Swann's engineers, alongside the client, to verify structural tolerances, electrical systems and screen performance before transportation.
Complex Groundworks
Two separate foundation locations were prepared for the East and West towers.
Groundworks included:
- Removal of more than 53m³ of earth per foundation.
- Installation of nine Sectional Flight Auger (SFA) concrete piles for each tower.
- Placement of over three tonnes of structural reinforcement steel within each base.
- Pouring more than 42 tonnes of high-strength concrete into every foundation.
Swann also installed Circular Hollow Section (CHS) ducting to accommodate power and data cabling while precision templates ensured the holding-down bolts were positioned accurately for final tower installation.
Logistics & Installation
Due to the size of the structures, each tower was transported to site in prefabricated sections using bespoke steel grillages designed by Swann's engineering team.
Working closely with Transport for London (TfL) and Hillingdon Council, single-lane overnight closures of the A312 were coordinated to minimise disruption while cranes lifted the steelwork into position.
The installation sequence included:
- Ground-level assembly wherever possible to improve safety.
- Crane installation of the steel structures.
- Installation of digital screens.
- Final cladding and finishing works.
- Electrical integration and commissioning.
- Full testing of remote digital display functionality.
Thanks to detailed planning and prefabrication, installation was completed efficiently while maintaining the highest health and safety standards.
The Results
The Heathrow Towers officially launched in September 2021 and now form a prominent part of Global's premium roadside digital advertising network.
The project successfully demonstrated Swann Engineering Group's ability to deliver complex, large-scale structural engineering projects from concept through to completion.
Project Highlights
- Complete design, manufacture and installation delivered entirely in-house.
- Two 22-metre digital screen towers successfully installed adjacent to a live carriageway.
- Modular construction reduced on-site installation time by approximately 35%.
- Zero Lost Time Incidents (LTIs) recorded throughout fabrication and installation.
- Bespoke engineering solutions improved transportation, installation efficiency and testing procedures.
- High-quality architectural finish combining structural performance with modern aesthetics.
Delivering Complex Engineering Projects with Confidence
The Heathrow Towers project showcases Swann Engineering Group's expertise in delivering innovative structural engineering solutions for the UK's infrastructure and digital media sectors.
By combining in-house engineering expertise, advanced manufacturing capabilities and meticulous project management, Swann successfully delivered a landmark installation that meets the highest standards of structural performance, safety and visual impact.
