2nd Tallest Building in the World: Merdeka 118 Opens in Kuala Lumpur

LERA is thrilled to celebrate the grand opening of Merdeka 118.

King opens Menara Merdeka 118, January 10, 2024

"The sophisticated tower, standing at 678.9 metres with 118 floors, is the second tallest in the world after the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, with a height of 828 metres.

Designed by Melbourne-based Fender Katsalidis, the structure includes the tower’s 40-storey spire (160.4 metres)."

LERA led the structural design of this mega-tall development. The 2,228-ft (679 m), 118-story crystalline-like tower creates a new centerpiece of this historically significant site, where Malaysian independence was declared in 1957. Topped by a dual-level observation deck, a restaurant and a 17-story, 6-star hotel, the tower also contains 83 floors of office space, with a massive podium at its base offering retail, dining and conference space. Merdeka 118 has become the second tallest building in the world, offering striking panoramic views of Kuala Lumpur and the surrounding region.

The building’s faceted design highlights its structural pathways, resulting in a pattern of triangular shapes reminiscent of those found in traditional Malaysian arts and crafts.

LERA provided Concept Phase through Design Development phase services, followed by peer review and select CA services. Structural engineering on Merdeka 118 by LERA Consulting Structural Engineers in collaboration with Robert Bird Group.