Call our technical team today on 03335 671512 for more information on our full services .
A BUILDING TRANSFORMATION CASE STUDY
IBIS London Earls Court – Multiple Roof Replacement
The Ibis London Earls Court is nestled in the vibrant heart of the Earls Court district , towering above the surrounding residential neighbourhoods and offering outstanding views across the city . It offers easy access to the city ’ s top attractions , including a short walk to Chelsea Football Club .
Project Description
Currently undergoing a full refurbishment , when finished the hotel will encompass 12-storeys of multi-branded , 3 and 4-star modern accommodation across its 500 + rooms . Offering a range of newly updated options , the Ibis and Mercure brands provide a cost effective and quality range for their clients to choose from , while still dominating the skyline and providing unmatched views from the upper floors .
Having worked with the hotel team and owners across other properties throughout the last 10 years , we were asked to review the current condition of the roofs . The aim would be to create an understanding of what would be required to align the roofs with the overall refurbishment .
Comprising the main 12-storey tower and a multitude of lower buildings that make up the conference centre , the initial focus of the project was 2 of the 3 upper roofs , located directly above the hotel rooms . From the initial review and surveys it was clear to see that each roof had passed its originally intended lifespan , with localised repairs and overcoating having been undertaken in the past . Both roofs were now at the point where they required a fresh start and would need to be fully stripped and replaced .
Project Overview
With the hotel having originally been built in 1973 and then undergone an update and renovation in 2006 , the original roofs of the tower were approaching their 50th year when we were first asked to comment on their condition .
From the initial inspection it was clear that over the years each roof had undergone numerous and repeated repairs , as well as a full recoating and the application of solar reflective film in one case . These interventions had helped to prevent leaks and prolong the lifespan over the years .
At this stage and with the roofs having had quick fixes and repairs over the years , the leaks were becoming unsustainable and the roof had gone past its originally intended lifespan . The onsite team had been able to avoid the need for replacement by undertaking the repairs , but with the internal refurbishment and investment underway , the repairs were no longer viable and a long-term solution was needed .
Having met with the hotel ’ s General Manager and Singaporean owners to discuss their thoughts and vision for the hotel , it quickly became clear that short-term solutions were definitely no longer an option . Due to the high levels of investment that were taking place for the internal refurbishment , the client did not wish to suffer the ongoing effects of the leaks , especially where the rooms immediately below the roofs had been turned into high-end , luxury suites .
In order to create the initial understanding of each roof ’ s condition , it was agreed that the first phase of works would involve a full roof condition survey , including a third roof that did not form part of this roof replacement works . In fully surveying the roofs and creating the understanding of their condition we were able to identify the number , type and severity of all defects , points of water ingress and then easily work towards providing options and solutions for their replacement .
Among the issues that were identified , the most severe defects included the complete failure of the uppermost EPDM membrane that covered the roof , cracks in the leadwork , various defects to the masonry , degraded finishes surrounding the roof system , poor historical repairs , missing mortar to joints and large cracking of the current coating system .
With all of the key data points collected and now in a position to confirm with the client that the roofs definitely needed replacing , we were able to work closely with roofing manufacturers to provide a specification and scope of works , providing the client and property with the most appropriate , long-term and future-proofed solution for the new roof .
T : 03335 671512 | www . buildingtransformation . com | info @ buildingtransformation . co . uk