Somerset House

Clifford Devlin were commissioned to carry out demolition and structural alterations to this landmark building in the heart of London's West End.

The enabling works were part of a programme to restore the East Wing of the Grade I listed building to its original architectural status while  preserving its historic fabric.

The works involved dismantling of existing staircases, lift shafts and cross walls. Extensive internal temporary works were installed to support and retain the structure during the careful dismantling and removal of the structural walls to form the new openings.

Our team were responsible for carrying out extensive structural alterations: New steels were then erected and installed, and openings formed using plunge saw cutting techniques; existing walls within the basement were underpinned during the forming of three new lift shafts.

New attenuator openings were formed on levels 1 and Lower Ground Floor along with new door openings with R6 lintels, new risers and installation of approximately 200 padstones to support new steelwork. The works included controlled removal of the lead-contaminated plasterwork from the mansard walls on level 3.

The groundworks package included the removal and placing on pallets of the original yorkstone setts from the east lightwell and yorkstone paving slabs from the basement. The east lightwell and basement was excavated down to the new formation levels and a new drainage system installed in the east lightwell with outlets placed in the basement rooms. The excavation involved extensive liaison and facilitation of archaeological research carried out by English Heritage.

Testimonial:

Clifford Devlin performed well in very challenging and difficult circumstances. Their pro-activity in devising and implementing solutions to unexpected issues as they arose was particularly impressive.

Neil Lock, Project Manager, Wates Construction