White City M&S Phase 1, W12

History:

Situated in the northern part of Shepherd’s Bush, Hammersmith, White City is home to many cherished London institutions. Television Centre (formerly the headquarters of the BBC), Queens Park Rangers football ground and the grounds of the 1908 London Summer Olympics all have their roots in White City. In the years since, Imperial College London has opened an innovation hub in the area and White City maintains its status as one of London’s most notable suburbs.

Challenge:

The White City M&S Phase 1 project was not without its challenges. The project was the first phase on an enormous scheme with a new team coming together to accomplish the build. Some interesting detailing on the roof made for an extra challenge, as this needed to be considered when installing the 342 balcony lifts.

Solution:

Whilst a huge new project and intricate façade detailing may have been challenging, they were not impossible challenges to overcome. Feedback from the supply chain mentioned that not only did we deliver most of our balconies rigid, ready and right the first time, but we also communicated well and frequently. Once the supply chain became familiar with our Passport system, the process of the installation became much simpler for them. We had reports that the anchors were on par with the best in the industry and that offsite manufacture and storage helped a great deal – with delays on the project, keeping the balconies in storage for an extra 6 months was a huge positive.

Step 1: Cast in anchors were cast into the slab & incorporated thermal break connections offering superior rigidity to the balconies.

Step 2: Cassette® balconies were preassembled offsite, including the balustrades, decking & soffits.

Step 3: Cassette® balconies were transported with balconies ‘nested’ onto each pallet making transport both cost effective & safe. Balconies were pre-slung offsite ready for installation upon arrival.

Step 4: Once lifted into position, the Cassettes® simply Glide-On™ to the pre-erected support arms, before completing the simple mechanical fixings.