Background

Russell Court in Bloomsbury, London, is a modernist residential building, constructed in 1937. Designed by architects George Val Myer and Francis Watson-Hart, it comprises 501 studio and one bedroomed apartments, an excellent early example of affordable homes, but now in need of remedial work.

Objectives

Thomas & Thomas provided project management services for extensive structural repairs and major external works required by this classic building.
 

Scope of Work

• Roof replacement: Works included flat roof replacement and pitched roof repairs.
• Communal window replacement: Full steel window replacements to the common parts.
• Stone cleaning: Steam cleaning of the stonework to the front façade.
• Structural repairs: Repairs to cracking in the masonry.
• Brickwork repointing: Repairs to the brickwork.
• External redecorations: Repainting of external woodwork.

Challenges

The building is a distinctive, art deco, period construction within a conservation area. A key part of any solution was that once completed, the works needed to be sympathetic to the original and blend in with the rest of the building. The existing brickwork, where possible, needed to be retained and reused.

As a busy residential hub, the building remained in occupation throughout the works. Given the number of flats (501 in total), vacating the premises was not a viable option. Any remedial solutions involving the façade therefore needed to be undertaken in a way that minimised disruption to the residents, and allowed the building to remain fully occupied. This was achieved successfully through a phased programme of works.
 

Outcome

The long-standing issues of water ingress and structural cracking to the building have been remedied. As a result of the refurbishment work the building is now watertight and structurally sound, ensuring that this period building is in good stead to provide quality accommodation into the future. Furthermore, the works were delivered not only to a high standard, but under budget, leaving funds available for other internal remedial work.