Introduction
Mansion House in London, the official residence of the Lord Mayor of London and a Grade I listed building, underwent a significant refurbishment project designed and executed by Cox Design Consult Construct. Despite the project's minor works classification, the historic nature of the building and the tight timeline posed unique challenges.
The refurbishment was focused on remodelling and modernizing the reception and staff welfare facilities within the building. This case study details the project's objectives, execution, and outcomes, highlighting the successful collaboration between COX, the City of London Corporation, and ISS.
Objectives
Complete Demolition and Remodelling: To replace the existing reception with a new, open-plan, and modern design, along with upgraded staff welfare facilities.
Upgrade MEP and Building Fabric: Implement comprehensive upgrades to Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) services, and improve the building fabric.
Time-Sensitive Execution: The entire project was to be completed within the month of August 2023, during the building's closure period.
Design and Build Contract: Manage the project under a design and build contract, ensuring efficiency and coherence between the design and execution phases.
Approach
Pre-Project Coordination: Extensive planning and coordination with local authorities and stakeholders were essential to meet the project's strict timeline and respect the building's historic status.
Design Strategy: The design aimed to respect the historical essence of Mansion House while infusing modern elements into the reception and staff areas.
Efficient Workflow: Given the tight schedule, construction workflows were optimized for speed and efficiency without compromising quality.
MEP and Fabric Upgrades: The MEP services and building fabric were upgraded with a focus on preserving the building's integrity and enhancing functionality.
Challenges
Historical Sensitivity: Working within a Grade I listed building required meticulous care to preserve its architectural heritage.
Tight Timeline: The one-month window for completion necessitated a highly disciplined approach to project management and execution.
Stakeholder Collaboration: Continuous communication with the City of London Corporation and ISS was crucial to align the project with stakeholder expectations.
Outcome
On-Time Completion: The project was successfully completed and handed over within the 4-week window, despite the ambitious timeline.
Modernised Facilities: The reception and staff welfare facilities were transformed, providing a modern, functional space that respects the building's historic character.
Stakeholder Satisfaction: The City of London Corporation and ISS were highly satisfied with the quality, efficiency, and respect for heritage demonstrated by COX.
The refurbishment of Mansion House stands as a testament to COX's capability to manage and execute complex architectural projects in historically significant buildings. The project showcases their ability to blend modern functionality with historical sensitivity, all within a remarkably tight timeframe. This successful refurbishment not only rejuvenated a key London landmark but also demonstrated COX's expertise in handling challenging, high-profile construction projects.
Project Details
- Location: Mansion House, City of London
- Duration: August 2023
- Budget: £150,000
Key Project Stakeholders:
- City Of London Corporation
- ISS
