Perspective Building

Justifying wall removal and upwards extension to release sales area on repurposed office building

The redevelopment of the former MI6 offices in Lambeth consisted of a total gutting and major structural alterations within the tower, involving the removal of some of the shear cores. The project consisted of a total stripping of the façade and alteration of the structure. The development also had a significant amount of new build and formation of new basement.

Walsh used Finite Element 3D programmes to analyse the existing structure of the building. By doing so we were able to advise the client on the number of additional floors that the existing structure could carry. Also we justified the removal of significant sections of the existing walls on the lower floors that otherwise encumbered an efficient apartment layout. As a result of our work significant additional sales area was released to the client.

The demolition and the construction of the basement presented major problems with ground movement, as some early Bakerloo cast-iron tunnels exist below the site. These tunnels are extremely sensitive to movement, and we worked closely with LUL to avoid damage, and were involved in the repair and strengthening of the tunnels.