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Overview
Pinnacle House is a landmark commercial building located in Wimbledon, London. The property required a significant façade upgrade to modernise its appearance and increase the amount of lettable office space while maintaining the structure of the existing building.
Rather than demolish and rebuild, the project focused on improving the building through a targeted façade refurbishment and extension strategy. This approach allowed the development team to enhance the building’s commercial value while retaining key structural elements.
Structura was appointed to deliver specialist façade engineering works as part of the redevelopment. The project involved installing new curtain walling systems, refurbishing existing windows, and designing bespoke façade elements to integrate the original building with newly added upper storeys.
The completed project transformed Pinnacle House into a modern commercial building with a unified façade, improved environmental performance, and increased lettable space.
Overview
Client:
Aviva Investors and Kingston Estates
Location:
Hartfield Rd, Wimbledon, London
Architect:
Matt Architecture, London
Main Contractor:
ISG
Project Metrics
Key project outcomes for the Pinnacle House Wimbledon redevelopment include:
Location: Wimbledon, London
Project Type: Commercial façade refurbishment and extension
Façade System: Schüco FW50+ Vertical Façade System
New Lettable Space: 1,700 m²
Environmental Rating: BREEAM “Very Good”
The Challenge
Upgrading existing commercial buildings presents several architectural and engineering challenges, particularly when the goal is to both modernise the appearance and expand usable space. For Pinnacle House Wimbledon, the key challenges included integrating new façade systems with the existing structure while achieving a cohesive architectural finish.
Modernising an Outdated Façade
The original façade of Pinnacle House had begun to show its age. Older curtain walling and window systems no longer reflected the expectations of modern commercial office space. Improving the building’s external appearance was therefore a priority. The refurbishment needed to deliver a sleek, contemporary façade capable of competing with newer commercial developments in the area. However, the design also needed to respect the proportions and structural constraints of the existing building.
Increasing Lettable Space
One of the primary objectives of the redevelopment was to significantly increase the building’s commercial potential by expanding the available office space. Additional upper storeys were introduced to maximise the building’s footprint while maintaining structural compatibility with the existing framework. This meant the façade system had to visually unify the original structure with the newly constructed levels, creating a seamless architectural appearance.
Integrating Old and New Building Elements
Projects involving partial refurbishment often require careful coordination between existing building components and newly installed façade systems. At Pinnacle House, several existing windows were retained within the building envelope. Rather than replace them entirely, the refurbishment strategy involved restoring and respraying the windows in situ to match the updated façade design. Ensuring the refurbished windows integrated visually with the new curtain wall system required precise colour matching and careful finishing.
Achieving Environmental Performance Standards
Sustainability was also an important consideration for the redevelopment. Commercial developments increasingly require strong environmental performance credentials to attract tenants and meet regulatory standards. The project therefore aimed to improve the building’s environmental rating while delivering a visually striking architectural result.
Structura’s Solution
Structura delivered a comprehensive façade engineering solution designed to modernise the building, increase its lettable space, and ensure a consistent architectural finish across both the original structure and the new upper floors. The solution combined modern curtain wall systems, bespoke metalwork, and refurbishment techniques that allowed existing building elements to be retained where appropriate.
Installation of New Curtain Walling and Glazing
A key element of the façade upgrade was the installation of new curtain walling and glazing systems. These systems replaced older façade components and gave the building a sleek, contemporary appearance. The curtain walling provides improved weather protection and durability while delivering a modern architectural finish suited to commercial office developments. Large glazed sections enhance natural light penetration into the interior office spaces, creating a more attractive environment for tenants.
Schüco FW50+ Vertical Façade System
To achieve the desired architectural and performance standards, the project incorporated the Schüco FW50+ Vertical Façade System. This high-performance curtain wall system offers strong structural stability, reliable weather resistance, and flexible design capabilities for complex façade geometry.
The system also enabled the integration of bespoke pressed metal panels that formed part of the building’s distinctive façade design. The use of this façade system allowed Structura to deliver a façade that balanced aesthetic design with technical performance.
Scalloped Curtain Wall Design
One of the most distinctive architectural elements of the project was the introduction of a scalloped curtain wall. This design feature helped visually connect the newly added upper storeys with the existing building structure below.
Rather than appearing as separate phases of construction, the façade creates a unified architectural composition across the entire building. The scalloped profile also adds visual depth and texture to the façade, contributing to the building’s contemporary identity.
Refurbishment of Existing Windows
Rather than remove all existing glazing systems, the project adopted a refurbishment strategy for certain retained windows. These windows were refurbished and resprayed in situ, allowing them to match the updated façade while avoiding unnecessary replacement.
This approach reduced material waste and allowed the project to retain structurally sound building elements. Careful preparation and finishing ensured the refurbished windows integrated seamlessly with the newly installed curtain wall systems.
Bespoke Metalwork & Aluminium Coping
Several bespoke façade components were designed and fabricated specifically for the Pinnacle House project. These include pressed metal façade panels integrated with the curtain wall system, and a bespoke faceted aluminium coping installed at the building roofline.
The aluminium coping provides both aesthetic and functional benefits. Architecturally, it completes the building’s modern façade profile. Structurally, it helps protect the building envelope from weather exposure at critical junction points. These custom elements helped deliver a cohesive and high-quality façade finish.
Project Results
The redevelopment of Pinnacle House successfully transformed the building into a modern commercial workspace while improving its environmental performance and commercial value. The façade refurbishment and extension allowed the building to meet the expectations of contemporary office tenants while maintaining the structural integrity of the original building.
Significant Increase in Lettable Space
One of the most important outcomes of the project was the increase in commercial floor space. The redevelopment created 1,700 square metres of new lettable space, significantly improving the building’s long-term commercial potential. The additional space enables the property to accommodate more tenants while generating increased rental revenue for the building owners.
Modern Architectural Identity
The façade redesign gave Pinnacle House a clean, modern architectural appearance that reflects the expectations of contemporary office developments. The new curtain walling system, scalloped façade design, and bespoke metal elements combine to create a distinctive building identity. This transformation enhances the building’s visibility within the Wimbledon commercial district and improves its market appeal.
Improved Environmental Performance
The redevelopment also delivered strong sustainability outcomes. The completed building achieved a BREEAM rating of “Very Good”, reflecting improvements in energy performance, environmental design, and building efficiency. Achieving this rating demonstrates the project’s commitment to modern environmental standards.
Long-Term Building Durability
The use of high-performance façade systems and durable materials ensures the building envelope will continue to perform effectively for many years. The new curtain wall system improves resistance to weather conditions and reduces maintenance requirements compared with older façade installations. Together with the bespoke aluminium coping and façade panels, the upgraded building envelope provides long-term protection for the structure.
Conclusion
The Pinnacle House Wimbledon redevelopment demonstrates how strategic façade engineering can transform an ageing commercial building into a modern, high-value property. By combining new curtain wall systems with carefully refurbished building elements, Structura delivered a façade solution that increased lettable space, enhanced the building’s architectural identity, and improved environmental performance. The project highlights the potential of façade refurbishment to extend the lifespan of existing buildings while meeting the evolving expectations of commercial tenants.