SOUTHBANK HOUSE
FUTURE-PROOFING an iconic heritage building on the Thames
SECTOR: Heritage
SCOPE: Basement Waterproofing, Retrofit, Facades
THE PROBLEM
Crownstone were appointed to diagnose and design the remedial repair works required to transform an iconic heritage building on the South Bank of the Thames from industrial, to modern mixed-use. The key challenge — protect the heritage property against the threat of water ingress while maintaining its original, mesmerising character.
THE PLAN
Built in 1815, this structure was suffering from complex age-typical damp issues. With part of the structure lying below ground, Crownstone identified the need to design and specify a solution that was compliant with BS8102. New plant rooms proposed at the basement level required a comprehensive below-ground structural waterproofing solution.
A unique remedial programme needed to be designed to consider all the limitations of a prestigious listed building, whilst ensuring the building was future-proofed to serve its new purpose as a mixed-use development.
CROWNSTONE’S SOLUTION
Working collaboratively with all stakeholders, Crownstone deployed innovative chemical solutions which allowed the basement to breathe while protecting it from water ingress from the elements.
The facades and ornate friezes were given a clear, protective waterproofing coat. By using pioneering drainage and membrane technologies — installed to Crownstone’s own design specification — Crownstone maximised dry and useable space.
This ensured the correct grades of environmental dryness under BS8102, whilste protecting the structure. And by maximising the dry and useable space of the building, Crownstone’s solution enabled the developer to achieve optimum return on their investment.
