How we made it: Victoria House

An existing Grade II listed building constructed between 1928-1932. Top two floors reconstructed and extended in 2001 extending into the central atrium.

The building is being transformed into a Life Sciences hub with wet-lab, dry-lab, and office spaces spanning multiple levels.

• Location: Bloomsbury Square, London
• Client: Oxford Properties & Pioneer Group
• Architect: Corstophine & Wright
• Size: 27,080m² (Approx GIA)
• Stage: On site

Structural investigations

By using reinforcement scanning techniques we could review bar sizes minimising intrusive works to slabs. Investigations also showed the fire capacity wasn’t achieved in previous works. A fire survey was undertaken resulting in increased fire protection to meet the times agreed.

Investigations confirmed floor weights and beam arrangements for vibrations assessments to the existing floors.

Additional plant decks

New major plant support was required at roof level which is distributed to the existing floorplates using the atriums. Intermediate level decks were hung to service each floor through the central atrium.

Occupied building

Intermediate floor levels were tenanted during the works. New central plant levels are designed to be suspended from the upper levels until tenanted levels become available.

Vibration and loading for life science

Vibration assessments showed areas with vibrations higher than the client’s requirements. Strengthening or stiffening the floor conventionally wasn’t feasible for heritage reasons and retained tenants. Instead, we used steel posts to mobilise mass from adjacent floor levels connecting floors. These posts are integrated into lab layouts and concealed within partition walls.

We provided vibration response factor plots to all floors, showing their current performance. This will help future tenants consider the existing structure’s performance for lab designs early on so similar vibration improvements can be implemented for all level.

Through extensive research and investigation of the existing building, HTS developed low-impact solutions for vibration control and plant support, minimizing disruptions and reducing carbon footprint. The careful placement of steel posts within the Grade II Listed building allows for future removal without impacting the original construction, preparing it for future adaptations.