30 Kensington Church Street.

Upgrading this 1920s building with inadequate 1980s additions focused around circulation and services. We assessed the possibilities of the original structure, using a new steel structure to spread the load of extra plant across the existing columns and identified points for new openings.

Location

London, UK

Client

McKenzie

Architect

Gensler

Project Value

£12 million

Status

completed 2001

Expertise

Structures

The courtyard became an atrium under a new glazed roof with a new glazed lift and dramatic glass tread staircase. Much of the new structure is deliberately minimal and exposed; the lift shaft has no cross bracing and the stair treads are supported on just four points. There is also a glass bridge into the atrium from the main entrance and we also devised supports for artworks.

We ensured that our supply of information met the tight programme set by the client and their management contractor, Interior.