Main Façade and External Repairs
- Location - Brook Green, Hammersmith, London W6
- Client - St Paul’s Girls’ School
1. Project Overview
Crestel Projects Ltd was appointed to deliver a comprehensive programme of external façade repairs, roofing works, and specialist restoration at St Paul’s Girls’ School, a Grade II listed education facility located in the heart of Hammersmith.
The project focused on safeguarding the long-term condition of the historic building fabric while maintaining the school’s operational requirements and safeguarding requirements. Works were carefully planned and delivered during the summer holiday period to minimise disruption, with close coordination between the client team, consultants and specialist subcontractors.
2. Scope of Works
The scope comprised a wide range of conservation-led and repair activities, including:
- Full independent scaffold erection, edge protection, and hoist installation
- Roof repairs and replacements to pitched and flat roof areas
- Leadwork repairs and renewals, including ridges and flashings
- Chimney inspections and remedial works following drone surveys
- Specialist DOFF stone and brick cleaning to restore historic façades
- Brick and stone repairs and replacements where defects were identified
- Window repairs and full external redecoration
- Rainwater goods repairs and redecoration, including gutters and downpipes
- Careful dismantling of access systems and final handover
All works were undertaken following detailed surveys and ongoing inspections as access was established.
3. Key Challenges and Solutions
01.
Live Education Environment
Although scheduled during the holiday period, the project sat within a busy, operational campus and a densely populated residential area. Crestel implemented strict site segregation, controlled access routes and daily liaison with the school to maintain safeguarding and security at all times.
02.
Heritage and Listed Building Constraints
Working on a Grade II listed structure required a conservation-led approach. Trial cleaning panels, sample repairs and close collaboration with the consultant team ensured all methods were sympathetic to the original fabric and approved before wider implementation.
03.
Unforeseen Defects
As access progressed, additional defects to roof coverings, leadwork and chimneys were identified. These were addressed through clear reporting, transparent cost build-ups and timely instructions, allowing programme continuity without compromising quality.
04.
Weather and Programme Management
Periods of adverse weather impacted early scaffold erection. Programme recovery measures, including additional labour and sequencing adjustments, ensured the project was delivered within the agreed completion window.
4. Sustainability and Compliance
- Waste streams were segregated and responsibly managed, with materials processed through licensed facilities
- Specialist cleaning methods minimised water usage and environmental impact
- All works were delivered in full compliance with CDM 2015, with a bespoke Construction Phase Health & Safety Plan
- Regular site inspections, toolbox talks and RAMS reviews maintained a strong safety culture throughout
- Heritage-appropriate repair techniques extended the building’s lifespan, reducing future intervention requirements
5. Technical Project Data
- Client: St Paul’s Girls’ School
- Project Manager/Contract Administrator: Bidwells LLP
- Principal Contractor: Crestel Projects Ltd
- Location: Brook Green, Hammersmith, London W6
- Building Status: Grade II Listed
- Works: Main façade repairs, roofing, leadwork, stone & brick restoration, external redecoration
- Programme: Summer holiday delivery (circa 7 weeks)
- Access Strategy: Independent scaffold with hoist
- Contract Value: Circa £300k
- Delivery Model: Traditional refurbishment with specialist conservation trades
6. Outcome
The completed works have significantly enhanced the appearance, durability and weather performance of the school’s principal elevations and roof structures, while preserving the architectural integrity of this historic building.
This project demonstrates Crestel’s ability to deliver complex heritage refurbishment projects within live education environments, combining technical expertise, proactive management and a collaborative approach with clients and consultants alike.