26 CASE STUDY
to construct the development. Following this, reconstruction and restoration of the facade building began. More than 2,000 pallets of stone and
brick were removed and transported to a secure off-site location for storage during the deconstruction process. Reconstructing the facade in this manner allows for ceiling heights of between 3.1 and 4.2 metres, which reportedly will be among the highest of any new residential scheme in London. The deconstruction process also meant
“LODHA’S RECOGNITION OF THE RICH HISTORY THAT NO.1 GROSVENOR HAS FROM ITS TIME AS A US EMBASSY IS MAINTAINED THROUGH PERIOD FEATURES, SUCH AS KEEPING THE REPLICA OVAL ROOM”
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that the remaining work did not have to be done behind the retained facade, giving the team much greater flexibility in terms of layouts. “When designing the layout,” said Walsh, “discretion and security were at the very heart of our design process. For example the drop-off area is extremely discreet and secure, under cover and away from any prying eyes.”
DESIGN PROCESS It was an important part of the design process that the building’s history be retained. Walsh explained how the project put this at the core: “Mayfair is about discreet wealth, and we’ve tried to inter- pret that in our design and build. We’ve taken the look and feel of the original
building and combined contemporary interiors with a classic English house.” He added: “Lodha’s recognition of the rich history that No.1 Grosvenor has from its time as a US Embassy is meticulously maintained through period features, such as keeping the replica Oval Room – built by the Kennedys – as an important feature for residents to enjoy and use, while reminding them they are in a very special building with amazing history.” When designing the building, the archi-
tects have carefully considered this heritage, maintaining the proportions of the neo-Georgian structure to ensure the rooms’ gracious sizes, and that period features are retained throughout. The main structure is built using post- tensioned concrete slabs which are typically thinner than traditional reinforced concrete – maximising the floor to ceiling heights.
A lot of complex details also were required to integrate the original brick and stone facade with the new concrete structure, while also bringing it up to modern standards.
In order to enact this detailed design, “the supply chain for the project is truly global,” said Walsh, “from traditional
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