Buttress Architects | Bridgewater House

A major refurbishment of this Grade II city centre commercial building, this project involved a complex program of works to a substantial occupied office building.

Initially appointed by Frogmore to refurbish just one suite in this Grade II listed building, when issues with the original steelwork were exposed, and a full condition survey was carried out, our brief was expanded to encompass structural repairs, re-roofing, fabric repairs, the refurbishment of common areas as well as the creation of a new entrance and reception area for the 400,000 sq ft property.

The building was occupied by more than 3600 tenants for the duration of the extensive programme of work, these included a number of high-profile and sensitive occupiers. The project management element was undertaken by Buttress and Frogmore, working closely to ensure minimal disturbance and risk to tenants and other stakeholders.
The structural issues had resulted in cracks to the principle elevation detaching its 10 storeys from the structural frame. To remedy this,
more than 250 new steel columns were introduced along the elevation and the building load was then jacked onto the new columns to strengthen the failing facade. The building was also re-roofed, all elevations were renewed to make water-tight, and 1.5 km of interior elevation was restored. In addition, three and a half floors were extensively refurbished to create new, modern office space.

We also gained planning and Listed Building Consents for a new entrance and reception, creating a new accessible entrance centrally between two existing doorways opening into a new generous reception area.

Throughout the work on site, we oversaw the delivery schedule and method statements, and put in place a comprehensive set of site rules to ensure that the building could continue to function, and to minimize interruption to the quiet enjoyment of tenants.
In addition to a tenant liaison officer, we held meetings every two weeks with the building's occupiers as well as residents in neighbouring apartments to keep all parties informed on progress and resolve any issues arising from the construction work.

A show suite showing various stages of the work was created within the building and workshops were held with tenants and the conservation officer to explain why the works were necessary and how they were to be carried out.

Although complex, our expertise in dealing with listed buildings meant that the building could continue to function as usable office space while the works were undertaken.

The new reception and accessible entrance has provided contemporary solution within the listed building, The space which includes self-compacting concrete reception desk and column casings, polished plaster features, heated floors and concealed smoke curtains was funded solely by the increase in the building’s capital value created by the work.