PROJECT: TEA BUILDING RECEPTION
CLIENT: DERWENT LONDON
VALUE: £3.7M
COMPLETION: JANUARY 2021

THE WORKS
In January 2021, we were excited to support our client Derwent London in an exciting project to convert a car park into new commercial offices. The project began with extensive demolition and the forming of new levels slabs, before the installation of a DDA lift and polished concrete floor. There was a great deal of work required to develop the facilities required for the property to be used as an industrial trade building. This included forming of new structural openings into the existing reception roadway, and forming a new loading bay and entrance for building including a goods lift. We were also tasked with the removal of the existing building entrance and fitting a new bespoke entrance and glazing surround.

Alongside this our team managed the removal of the existing roller shutter and loading bay to form a new dedicated entrance to the rear of the building, with matching bespoke entrance to the new front entrance. Internally our team helped form a new Management Suite partially under the new office, established new concrete stairs to the lift lobby with new bespoke DDA lift, installed a new Reception pod with blackened Crittal style frames and windows, and installed new WC blocks to office and Cat A finishes. Externally, we assisted with the formation of new timber decking areas with foundations to form new seating areas for working and relaxing, and also installed new blackened steel Crittal type security doors and screens across the lift lobby.

THE CHALLENGE
The works were varied and spread over a significant part of the building on several levels, which remained fully occupied at all times. The reception and Management offices also had to remain operational during the works, and all tenant access and fire routes to the building needed to be maintained at all times. In addition halfway through the project a major Thames Water sewer became blocked and collapsed that eventually entailed Thames Water digging down 6 metres plus within the building in the newly formed loading bay.

OUR SOLUTION
Works had to be phased in a way that ensured tenants and management were able to continue with the minimum of disruption. This was achieved by daily discussions with Building Management on upcoming works and timings and the best solution for all concerned, to find the balance for keeping momentum in the project and ensuring minimal disruption to the running of the building. This involved out-of-hours works in crucial areas to re-route walkways, fire exits, DDA routes and the moving of temporary reception.

PROJECT GALLERY

THINGS WE LEARNED
Constant communication with Building Management and daily appraisal of ongoing works, to ensure everyone is aware of upcoming works and any possible problems, is vital; on occasions, information was not passed on quick enough to Building Management and ultimately the tenants. We have since implemented processes that ensure swift information sharing, and feedback loops to ensure all parties are aware of any adjustments as soon as possible. The Thames Water incident resulted in a road closure that effectively closed off our main route for materials in and out of the site. The ability to react and come up with a 'Plan B' tested all concerned, exacerbated by poor information flow from Thames Water allowing for firm planning. This experience reminded us that unexpected challenges do arise. However, with effective planning, open communication, and collaboration, all challenges can be overcome.

ARCHITECT - Alford Hall Monaghan Morris
SERVICES CONSULTANT - GDM
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER - Akera Engineers
PROJECT MANAGER - Rougemont Property Consultants
PQS - Exigere

SERVICES USED
Contractor Design Management
Project Management
Office Refurbishment