1-3 GROSVENOR
SQUARE.

A COMMUNITY-DRIVEN SCHEME, DELIVERED WITH OUR SIGNATURE TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE.

CLIENT: COMPLETE

STATUS: MAYFAIR

LOCATION: MAYFAIR

This ultra-prime residential development needed smart engineering solutions without compromising on community care.

PROJECT OVERVIEW.

The engineering for us, was simple – soft strip, demolition, and basement works; the need to dramatically reduce noise, dust, and vibration added challenges.

To reduce disturbance to the neighbouring American and Italian Embassies, strict quiet times and transparent communication worked alongside isolation bearings and early release of the temporary works. Our efforts were well-received, earning us high praise from the Italian Minister for Mission.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY STATS.
440 tonnes OF TEMPORARY WORKS USED AND REMOVED
135,000 ft2 PROJECT FROM BASEMENT TO CEILING
5,000 INDIVIDUAL STONES REMOVED/PRESERVED FROM THE FACADE
5,791 LORRY MOVEMENTS
THE 1-3 GROSVENOR SQUARE PROJECT WON A CONSIDERATE CONSTRUCTORS SCHEME NATIONAL SILVER AWARD.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS.

Recognised Neighbourhood Relations
The project’s prime Mayfair spot saw it surrounded by high-profile, international neighbours. As a result, the teams had to be especially considerate of noise, dust, and vibration with transparent communication with stakeholders like the Italian and America embassies. We built close personal relationships and digital communications such as Twitter, WhatsApp, and newsletters to ensure compete transparency.

Sequencing for Speed
Speed was not only vital for cost effectiveness, it also reduced disturbance for the Grosvenor Square community. To make the works as efficient as possible, we developed an alternative sequence to release temporary works early and remove the floor plates earlier for productive programme betterments.

Utilisation of Isolation Bearings
TfL tunnels, commercial, and residential buildings surrounded the site, making vibration a risk for the sensitive scheme. To combat this we used isolation bearings to reduce both noise and vibration impacts. We separated the structure from top to bottom, including the ground bearing slab to minimise transferable movement and reduce disturbance to neighbours.

Preservation of Historic Facade
The building is a Grade II-listed structure and was formerly home to the American Embassy. The building had hosted several historically significant people over the years, including John F Kennedy. We partnered with APYE stone masons to carefully dismantle the facade, preserving thousands of stones to be properly stored and reused.

MCGEE WERE THE RIGHT CONTRACTORS FOR THE TASK. HOARDING OF THE DEVELOPMENT, TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT, AND SITE APPEARANCE HAS BEEN OF THE HIGHEST ORDER THROUGHOUT.

THEY HAVE CONSTANTLY GONE ABOVE AND BEYOND WHAT THEY WERE REQUIRED TO DO.
VINCENZO CELESTE
MINISTER FOR MISSION, ITALIAN EMBASSY
KEY STAKEHOLDERS:

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: WSP