Project Description
At Robert Bird Group (RBG), we’re proud to have provided specialist structural, civil, and geotechnical services for an art-inspired hotel as part of the redevelopment of Battersea Power Station (BPS). The hotel, which welcomes public art galleries, cafés, and lounges from around the world, will also accommodate state-of-the-art rooftop facilities including a large garden, swimming pool, and pavilion. Situated at the top of the building is a hanging double-height restaurant space, allowing diners to take in striking views of Gehry & Partners’ cluster of contemporary residential buildings, as well as the iconic Battersea Power Station chimneys.
The development has been designed to incorporate the following features:
- 16-storey building plus podium
- 3 levels of basement
- 164 keys
- Rooftop space to include a swimming pool, garden and pavilion
- Gym, spa, and leisure facilities
- A restaurant and bars
- Large modern kitchen
- Multiple conference rooms
Project Challenges
Our design met the requirements of the client, architect, and hotel developer, tackling the unique technical challenges that each area of the hotel presented. The varying needs of each space, further complicated by varying loading and service penetration requirements, meant that a standard column grid was not possible in all locations. We were tasked with delivering a structural design that worked within these challenging constraints – this was accomplished while adhering to the project timeline and proactively collaborating with all stakeholders to enhance the overall design.
Added Value
We provided the client with engineering solutions that allowed for discretionary changes to be made in the layouts if necessary. Working closely with the architect and building services engineer, we ensured that the structural design accommodated the architectural and service requirements of a modern hotel and ensured flexibility in the structure. This included designing structural systems that aligned with the architectural vision, such as transfer structures, hanging floorplates, and double-height columns.
Our proactive approach and direct collaboration with key stakeholders provided opportunities to enhance the architectural integrity of the hotel. Our innovative proposals led to significant improvements in the design, such as altering the shape and location of structural columns and removing part of the hanging structure in the iconic hotel restaurant. These revisions resulted in an improved hotel lobby space, created unobstructed views, and increased dining flexibility, further enriching the aesthetic and functional appeal of the space.
