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Overview
1 Lyric Square is a prominent commercial building located next to the Lyric Theatre in Hammersmith, London. Originally constructed in the mid-1970s using a reinforced concrete structural frame, the building had become dated both visually and technically compared with modern office developments.
As London continues to prioritise sustainable development and the reuse of existing buildings, the project focused on transforming the façade through refurbishment rather than demolition and rebuild. The objective was to modernise the appearance of the building while improving its thermal and acoustic performance to meet contemporary standards.
Structura was appointed to deliver specialist façade engineering works as part of the building’s external refurbishment programme. The scope of work included replacing windows across multiple floors, installing new glazing systems, and delivering curtain walling solutions that significantly improved the building envelope.
The result is a modernised commercial building that maintains its structural integrity while delivering improved performance and aesthetics. The project was recognised within the industry and shortlisted as a finalist in the Architects’ Journal Retrofit Awards 2019, highlighting the success of the refurbishment strategy.
This façade refurbishment case study demonstrates how carefully designed glazing and curtain wall systems can transform an ageing building into a modern, high-performance workspace without the environmental cost of new construction.
Details
Client:
Kings Retail S.A.R.L.
Location:
Hammersmith, London
Architect:
Stiff + Trevillion
Main Contractor:
Overbury
Consultant:
MHBC & NET
Project Metrics
The 1 Lyric Square refurbishment involved significant upgrades to the building façade and glazing systems. Key performance and project metrics include:
Building Type: Commercial office building
Original Construction: Mid-1970s reinforced concrete structure
Refurbishment Scope: External façade upgrades and glazing replacement
Window Replacement: Floors 2–12
New Glazing Feature: Full-height glazing at the new 14th floor
Special Feature: Cantilevered glazing to the East Staircase
Sustainability Outcome: BREEAM “Very Good” rating
Industry Recognition: Finalist – Architects’ Journal Retrofit Awards 2019
The Challenge
Refurbishing existing commercial buildings presents several technical challenges. Unlike new construction, retrofit projects must work within the constraints of the existing structural framework while achieving modern performance standards. For the 1 Lyric Square project, several key challenges needed to be addressed.
Modernising a 1970s Commercial Façade
Buildings constructed in the 1970s often feature façade systems that no longer meet modern expectations for performance or aesthetics. At 1 Lyric Square, the existing façade required significant improvement in several areas: outdated visual appearance, limited thermal insulation performance, reduced acoustic protection from surrounding city noise, and ageing glazing systems across multiple floors. Because the building occupies a prominent location next to the Lyric Theatre in Hammersmith, improving the visual impact of the façade was particularly important. The refurbishment therefore needed to deliver a modern appearance while integrating with the existing reinforced concrete structure.
Improving Energy Efficiency & Building Performance
One of the key goals of the project was to improve the environmental performance of the building envelope. Older window systems often result in heat loss during winter, increased solar gain during summer, reduced occupant comfort, and higher energy consumption for heating and cooling. The refurbishment strategy required the installation of modern glazing and curtain wall systems capable of significantly improving the thermal performance of the façade. At the same time, the glazing also needed to enhance acoustic performance, particularly in an urban environment where traffic and surrounding activity can affect interior spaces.
Integrating New Glazing into an Existing Structure
Working within an existing reinforced concrete frame introduces structural and installation constraints that must be carefully managed. New glazing systems needed to be engineered to integrate precisely with the building’s existing structure across multiple levels. The project required replacement of windows across multiple floors, integration of full-height glazing elements, and installation of cantilevered glazing features. Each of these elements required careful engineering coordination to ensure structural compatibility, weather performance, and long-term durability.
Maintaining Building Operations During Refurbishment
Retrofit projects are often carried out while surrounding buildings remain operational. Construction work therefore needs to be carefully managed to minimise disruption. Installation sequencing, access planning, and safety measures all play an important role in ensuring refurbishment work progresses smoothly while maintaining safe conditions. For the 1 Lyric Square refurbishment, careful coordination was required to complete the façade upgrades efficiently across multiple floors.
Structura’s Solution
Structura delivered specialist façade engineering and glazing installation solutions that transformed the building envelope while maintaining the structural framework of the original development. The project involved replacing ageing window systems, installing modern curtain walling, and introducing large-scale glazing features to improve both aesthetics and performance.
Window Replacement Across Multiple Floors
A major component of the refurbishment involved replacing the existing windows across floors 2 through 12. Replacing glazing systems across this vertical range required careful coordination to ensure accurate installation across multiple levels, consistent façade alignment, weather-tight performance, and minimal disruption during installation. The new glazing systems significantly improved the performance of the façade while also creating a more contemporary external appearance.
Installation of Full-Height Glazing at the New 14th Floor
As part of the refurbishment, a new 14th floor was introduced to the building. Structura delivered full-height glazing for this level, creating panoramic views across the surrounding cityscape. Full-height glazing provides several benefits for modern commercial spaces, including increased natural daylight penetration, enhanced visual connection to the surrounding city, and improved occupant experience within the building. From an architectural perspective, the addition of large glazing panels also helped modernise the appearance of the upper section of the building.
Cantilevered Glazing for the East Staircase
Another distinctive feature of the refurbishment involved installing full-height cantilevered glazing for the East Staircase. Cantilevered glazing systems require careful structural engineering because the glazing extends outward without traditional vertical support. This type of installation introduces several technical challenges, including structural stability, wind loading resistance, secure fixing points, and long-term durability. Structura’s façade engineering expertise ensured that the cantilevered glazing could be safely integrated with the existing structure while maintaining a sleek architectural finish.
Curtain Wall Systems for Enhanced Performance
The new curtain walling installed during the project significantly improved the building’s performance. Curtain wall systems provide a modern façade solution that offers improved thermal insulation, enhanced acoustic performance, greater weather resistance, and long-term structural reliability. By upgrading the building envelope with modern curtain walling, the refurbishment helped ensure the building meets contemporary standards for commercial office space.
Project Results
The refurbishment of 1 Lyric Square delivered significant improvements in both architectural appearance and building performance. The project successfully transformed a mid-1970s commercial building into a modern workspace while maintaining the existing structural framework.
Modernised Architectural Appearance
One of the most visible outcomes of the project is the transformation of the building’s façade. The new glazing systems and curtain wall installations provide a modern architectural finish that significantly enhances the appearance of the building within the surrounding urban environment. The refurbishment gives the building a contemporary identity while preserving its original structure.
Improved Building Envelope Performance
Upgrading the glazing and curtain wall systems significantly improved the building’s environmental performance. Key improvements include enhanced thermal insulation, improved acoustic performance, reduced heat loss, and increased occupant comfort. These improvements contribute to a more energy-efficient building that is better suited to modern commercial use.
Environmental Performance & Sustainability
The façade refurbishment also contributed to the building achieving a BREEAM “Very Good” rating, reflecting improvements in environmental performance and sustainability. Refurbishing an existing structure rather than constructing a new building also reduces the environmental impact associated with demolition and reconstruction. Retrofit projects like this demonstrate how existing buildings can be upgraded to meet modern performance standards while reducing material waste and carbon emissions.
Industry Recognition
The success of the refurbishment project was recognised by the architectural community. 1 Lyric Square was shortlisted as a finalist in the Architects’ Journal Retrofit Awards 2019, highlighting the project as a strong example of sustainable building refurbishment. Industry recognition such as this demonstrates the value of well-executed retrofit projects that combine architectural design, engineering expertise, and sustainability principles.
Why Façade Refurbishment Matters for Commercial Buildings
Many commercial buildings constructed in the late 20th century are structurally sound but require upgrades to meet modern performance and design standards. Façade refurbishment allows these buildings to be transformed without the environmental and financial costs of complete redevelopment. Modern curtain wall and glazing systems can deliver improvements in energy efficiency, acoustic performance, occupant comfort, and architectural identity. Projects like 1 Lyric Square demonstrate how careful façade engineering can extend the lifecycle of existing buildings while supporting sustainable urban development.