The architect, Falconer Chester Hall, undertook the design, maintaining the seven existing facades while creating bold, modern interiors to match the luxurious guest experience. Guests can stay for short or medium periods, even having an individual address, as well as access to the exclusive private club and restaurant, delivering an all-encompassing guest experience.
Specialist contractor RIX Passive Fire Protection, was tasked with delivering the full scope of passive fire protection for the complex design, including fire stopping, structural steel protection and internal partitions. Four of the seven original buildings were listed, meaning an ingenious solution was needed to ensure the project delivered the necessary fire performance and met building regulations, without altering the existing facades.
Nijaras Zvibas, Contracts Manager, RIX Passive Fire Protection, comments: “Our company specialises in the supply and installation of passive fire protection systems, delivering work to the highest standards of quality and compliance.
“For this project, three layers of Kemwell FireKem FP-900 boards were installed under the soffit to achieve the required 27mm thickness, ensuring effective fire compartmentation between floors. Kemwell Corex A1 boards were used to protect the structural steel elements. The use of multiple layers of fire-rated boarding allowed full compliance with fire regulations and project specifications, while avoiding delays associated with the extended lead times for thicker single boards.”
The hotel’s exclusive nature meant delays could prove financially and reputationally costly, making it imperative to meet the delivery programme. Encon’s extensive and long-standing experience as a national distributor meant we were able to adapt quickly to overcome challenges related to material availability and restricted site access, ensuring successful project delivery.
Chelsea Green, Encon’s Regional Passive Fire Protection Manager – South, explains: “The manufacturer experienced a materials shortage during the project, but we ringfenced stock at both our East London and West London branches to ensure this would not impact the delivery schedule.
“Delivering to a prime site in Covent Garden also posed challenges due to the limited space available, meaning it would be impossible to offload materials using a Moffett. All deliveries were made using flatbed vehicles from our dedicated fleet and boards were pre-slung, enabling them to be lifted off quickly and easily by a crane which was already on site.”
Nijaras concludes: “Encon’s support was vital in helping us secure the completion of the project on time and to budget. Their service is second to none, accommodating our needs at any time. We always receive a flexible and reliable service from Encon, with deliveries arriving on time and in full, and they never let us down.”
Encon & Nevill Long West London stocks materials from across the specialist distribution divisions of The Encon Group, utilising our dedicated fleet and trusting relationships with market-leading manufacturers to provide unrivalled support to customer projects.
Contact the team to find out how we can support your next project. Email westlondonstructural@encon.co.uk or call 020 8831 1530.
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Project Overview
Architect: Falconer Chester Hall
Contractor: Ellmer Construction
Specialist Contractor: RIX Passive Fire Protection
Manufacturer: Kemwell PFP
Distributor: Encon & Nevill Long West London
Products Used: Kemwell FireKem FP-900
Kemwell Corex A1
Nationwide Delivery
