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Overview
Vantage is a highly visible commercial building located in West London. Due to its prominent position, the building’s external façade plays an important role in defining its architectural presence within the surrounding urban environment.
Over time, the building’s existing façade and cladding had begun to show signs of ageing. While the structure remained sound, the building required refurbishment to improve both its visual appearance and thermal performance. Upgrading the façade would allow the building to remain competitive within the commercial property market while improving energy efficiency and extending the lifespan of the building envelope.
Structura was appointed to deliver specialist façade refurbishment works that would enhance the building’s performance while maintaining the integrity of the existing structure. The project involved upgrading key glazing elements, refurbishing external cladding, and improving the overall appearance of the building façade.
This project demonstrates how targeted façade refurbishment can significantly improve building performance and aesthetics without the need for a complete redevelopment.
Details
Client:
Columbia Threadneedle
Location:
Brentford, Middlesex
Architect:
Spratley Studios
Main Contractor:
Area Square
Consultant:
Wintech
The Challenge
Refurbishing the façade of an existing commercial building presents several technical and operational challenges. The Vantage building required improvements that would enhance both performance and appearance while working within the constraints of the existing structure. Several key challenges shaped the project.
Improving the Performance of an Ageing Façade
The building’s existing façade system had been exposed to years of environmental conditions. Although the structure remained functional, the materials had deteriorated over time. Cladding surfaces had begun to lose their original finish and weather protection, while glazing elements required upgrading to meet modern performance expectations. Improving the thermal efficiency of the building envelope was also an important objective, as energy performance standards have evolved significantly since the building was originally constructed. The refurbishment needed to address these issues while ensuring the upgraded façade would continue to perform reliably over the long term.
Maintaining the Building’s Architectural Identity
Because Vantage is located in a prominent area of West London, the building’s visual appearance plays an important role in its identity. The refurbishment therefore needed to enhance the building’s aesthetic quality while remaining consistent with the original architectural design. The goal was not to drastically alter the appearance of the building but to restore and improve it so that it would continue to contribute positively to the surrounding cityscape. Achieving this required careful planning and high-quality finishing work across all façade elements.
Integrating New Façade Systems with Existing Structure
Another important challenge involved integrating new curtain walling and glazing systems into the existing structure. Upgrading façade systems within an existing building requires precise coordination between engineering design and installation. The new glazing systems needed to align accurately with the existing structural framework while ensuring proper weather sealing and structural stability. Any refurbishment works also needed to ensure long-term compatibility between the new and existing façade elements.
Working at Height on an Existing Building
The refurbishment works involved re-spraying existing high-level cladding and framing elements across the building façade. Working at height introduces additional safety and logistical considerations, particularly on a building located within a busy urban environment. Access systems, installation procedures, and sequencing all required careful planning to ensure safe and efficient execution of the refurbishment works.
Structura’s Solution
Structura developed a façade refurbishment strategy designed to improve both the performance and appearance of the building while working within the constraints of the existing structure. The project involved three key components: refurbishment of the existing cladding system, installation of new curtain walling and glazing, and careful coordination of façade works across multiple building levels.
Re-Spraying of Existing High-Level Cladding
One of the main elements of the refurbishment involved restoring the appearance and protective qualities of the existing cladding system. Structura carried out the re-spraying of high-level cladding and framing elements to revitalise the façade and restore its original visual quality. This process involved carefully preparing the existing surfaces and applying new protective finishes designed to improve durability and weather resistance.
Re-spraying existing cladding is a cost-effective way to extend the lifespan of façade systems while significantly improving the building’s appearance. By restoring the finish of the cladding surfaces, the building façade was able to regain a clean and modern aesthetic.
Installation of New Curtain Walling
As part of the façade upgrade, new curtain walling systems were supplied and installed at the ground and first floor levels of the building. Curtain wall systems provide a modern glazing solution that enhances both the visual quality and environmental performance of the building envelope. These systems allow natural light to enter interior spaces while maintaining effective thermal and weather protection. The newly installed curtain walling was designed to integrate seamlessly with the existing façade while improving the performance of the building envelope.
Upgraded Glazing Systems
The project also included the installation of new glazing elements alongside the curtain wall systems. Modern glazing systems offer improved thermal insulation compared with older glazing installations. By upgrading these systems, the building benefits from improved energy performance and greater comfort within interior spaces. The new glazing systems were installed with careful attention to alignment and weather sealing to ensure long-term reliability.
Coordinated Façade Refurbishment
Delivering façade upgrades across multiple building levels required careful coordination between installation teams and project planners. Structura managed the sequencing of refurbishment works to ensure the project progressed efficiently while maintaining safe working conditions.
Working on an existing building requires detailed planning to minimise disruption and maintain the integrity of the building during refurbishment. Through careful project management, the refurbishment works were completed efficiently while maintaining high standards of workmanship.
Project Results
The refurbishment of the Vantage building façade successfully improved both the performance and visual appearance of this prominent West London commercial property. The project demonstrates how targeted façade improvements can extend the life of existing buildings while delivering meaningful performance upgrades.
Improved Thermal Efficiency
One of the primary objectives of the refurbishment was to improve the thermal performance of the building envelope. By upgrading glazing systems and improving façade elements, the refurbishment helps reduce heat loss through the building façade. Improved thermal performance contributes to more stable indoor temperatures and improved energy efficiency. Enhanced thermal efficiency can also reduce long-term operational costs for building owners while improving environmental performance.
Enhanced Visual Appearance
The refurbishment significantly improved the visual quality of the building’s external façade. Re-spraying the high-level cladding restored the building’s exterior finish and refreshed its overall appearance. The installation of modern curtain walling systems at ground and first floor levels also enhanced the building’s architectural presence. These improvements help ensure the building maintains a strong visual identity within its surrounding urban environment.
Extended Lifespan of the Building Envelope
Façade refurbishment projects play an important role in extending the lifespan of existing buildings. By restoring and upgrading key façade components, the Vantage refurbishment helps ensure the building envelope will continue to perform effectively for many years to come. Refurbishment also allows building owners to improve building performance without the significant environmental and financial costs associated with full redevelopment.
A More Competitive Commercial Property
Modern commercial tenants expect buildings to offer both high performance and strong visual appeal. By improving both thermal efficiency and façade appearance, the refurbishment helps ensure that the Vantage building remains an attractive and competitive property within the West London commercial market. Well-maintained façades also contribute to improved property value and long-term building sustainability.
Project Summary
The Vantage, London façade refurbishment project demonstrates how carefully planned building upgrades can improve both the performance and appearance of existing commercial buildings. Through a combination of cladding restoration, new curtain wall installation, and upgraded glazing systems, Structura delivered a solution that enhanced the building envelope while maintaining the architectural integrity of the structure. The result is a refreshed and more energy-efficient building that continues to stand out within the West London skyline.