Gwydyr House

OUR WORK

Gwydyr House, located in Whitehall, is a historic government Grade II listed building that underwent a comprehensive refurbishment project starting in January 2023 and successfully concluded in mid August 2023.

The project aimed to enhance the building’s infrastructure, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal while preserving its architectural heritage.

The refurbishment covered multiple levels, including levels 3, 2, 1, ground floor (GF), and the basement. The project was undertaken to revitalize the building’s interior spaces and to provide a more modern and comfortable environment for its occupants..

Preserving the historical significance of Gwydyr House was a top priority. The refurbishment team collaborated closely with conservation experts to identify and restore architectural features where necessary, ensuring they were carefully integrated into the modern design. .

Original moldings, cornices, and decorative elements were meticulously preserved, capturing the essence of the building’s heritage while incorporating contemporary upgrades..

TEAMWORK - KEY TO SUCCESS

The success of the Gwydyr House refurbishment project was largely attributed to the collaborative effort of a dedicated team of professionals. A project manager and site supervisor led the team, ensuring clear communication and coordination between stakeholders, contractors, and workers.

The team comprised skilled engineers, decorators, plumbers, electricians, consultants, and architects, all of whom worked in synergy to achieve the project’s objectives. Regular meetings and progress updates were held to address challenges, mitigate risks, and keep the project on track which was key to the projects success.

PROJECT VALUE, SIZE & DURATION

Working in the building across all floors (L3, L2, L1, GF, Basement) with a project start date of 9th of January 2023 and handed over on the 11th of August 2023.

THE TASK HAND

The primary objective of the refurbishment was to upgrade various aspects of Gwydyr House. This included renovating the general areas, such as rooms, corridors, and washrooms, to create a more pleasant and functional workspace. Additionally, the project focused on improving energy efficiency by implementing a new LED lighting system throughout the building. .

Another critical task involved upgrading the building’s mechanical systems, specifically 29 FCUs (Fan Coil Units) with new condensers on the roof and basement and 2 split units in the comms room. Moreover, the carpet upgrade aimed to replace worn-out floor coverings and enhance the overall aesthetics of the building. The delivery of the refurbishment was 100% self-delivered by TS&B covering all disciplines from MEP, fabric and decoration works. .

Recognizing the importance of minimising disruptions, the refurbishment was divided into phases to ensure smooth operations within Gwydyr House. By staggering the work across different levels and areas, the team reduced disruptions to the building’s occupants. Additionally, well-communicated relocation plans and temporary workspaces were provided, guaranteeing minimal interruptions to daily activities during the refurbishment. .

The project management team ensured meticulous cost and time management throughout the refurbishment. Regular progress evaluations and constant communication with client allowed for swift identification and resolution of potential delays. .

Over 12 skilled TS&B engineers, joiners, decorators, & electricians were allocated to the project along with client consultants, TS&B site supervisors, and project manager to deliver the highest of standards. .

Snapshot Scope of Works

The refurbishment encompassed several critical aspects, enhancing various levels of Gwydyr House:

Decoration

The interior spaces at Gwydyr House underwent a comprehensive makeover, encompassing rooms, corridors, and washrooms. The refurbishment involved replacing outdated paint with a fresh and modern colour palette, while meticulous application of high-quality finishes elevated the overall appeal, creating an inviting atmosphere throughout the building.

To ensure precision and alignment with the client’s vision, TS&B closely adhered to the detailed finishing schedule submitted by the clients’ consultant. This approach enabled the team to achieve a seamless transformation that blended contemporary aesthetics with the preservation of the building’s unique heritage.

Carpet Upgrade

The worn-out carpets throughout the building were replaced with durable and visually appealing floor coverings. This not only improved aesthetics but also provided better acoustics and comfort.

Mechanical

A significant mechanical upgrade was carried out, involving the replacement of 29 FCUs and 2 split units in the comms room. The new FCUs were equipped with energy-efficient features, improving temperature control and air quality.

Furthermore, new condensers were installed on the roof and basement to enhance the overall performance of the HVAC system. The condensers were craned in via Whitehall, with all necessary comms lines, permits and approvals from MoD, Westminster Council, and TFL received before scheduling in the works, which would have otherwise posed a logistical challenge between all parties involved.

Electrical

The building’s lighting system was upgraded with modern LED fixtures throughout the building. The upgrade resulted in increased energy efficiency, reduced electricity consumption, and improved lighting quality, positively impacting the building’s environmental footprint.

On commissioning of the new lighting system, lux levels were set to clients requirements for each room across levels 3, 2, 1, GF, and basement.

Challenges Overcome

Throughout the Gwydyr House refurbishment project, the team encountered several challenges that demanded innovative solutions, and logistical planning. One significant obstacle was the unexpected discovery of foreign material within the plaster walls on the GF.

As a Grade II listed building, the team successfully addressed this challenge by doing the necessary and utilising a specialist to take extensive samples, ensuring the building, including its occupants remained safe throughout the testing period. This necessitated adjustments to the renovation plans and coordination with consultants to ensure the building’s integrity was preserved.

The renewal of FCU pipework caused additional challenges with difficult access across many areas. The team consulted between them and devised a plan of action with the clients consultants to move forward with a clear and logical path. This caused a few delays to theproject, however, once a plan was approved, TS&B pushed forward with an additional team, ensuring project completion was met.

Stakeholder Satisfaction

Government officials and occupants alike expressed high levels of satisfaction with the Gwydyr House refurbishment. The improved aesthetics, upgraded facilities, and enhanced workspaces garnered praise from the building’s occupants, leading to increased morale and productivity. Additionally, government officials applauded the project’s adherence to budgetary constraints while delivering on its objectives, commending the team’s professionalism and dedication.

Sustainable Practices

The Gwydyr House refurbishment embraced sustainable practices from the outset. The team prioritised recycling construction waste and repurposed materials where feasible.

Moreover, the new LED lighting system significantly reduced energy consumption, and the upgraded HVAC system contributed to energy efficiency. These sustainable efforts demonstrated a commitment to responsible building practices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the refurbishment project at Gwydyr House, showcased a successful collaboration between a dedicated team of professionals. By addressing various aspects such as interior decoration, carpet upgrade, mechanical and lighting improvements, the project achieved its objectives of creating a more functional, energy-efficient, and aesthetically pleasing workspace while preserving the building’s historic charm.

The successful completion of the project served as a testament to TS&Bs team commitment to excellence and the importance of well-coordinated efforts in achieving a common goal.

ABOVE & BEYOND

During the course of the refurbishment, the team demonstrated exceptional dedication by going above and beyond the initial scope. They actively sought sustainable solutions, recommending eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems, which resulted in reduced long-term operational costs for the building.

Additionally, the team ensured that all the refurbishment works adhered to safety standards and complied with regulations, ensuring a safe working environment for both workers and occupants.