Case Study
Client: Strandbrook
Contract Administrator: Beadmans
Structural Engineer: Clarkebond
Principal Contractor: Stonewest
Services Provided: Principal Contracting, Specialist Cleaning & Restoration
Project Overview
Grade II* Shell Mex House, also known as 80 Strand, was constructed in 1931 and opened in 1932. The building occupies a prominent location between The Adelphi building and The Savoy Hotel. It was designed by architectural firm Messrs Joseph, with Frances Milton Cashmore himself responsible for most of the work.
The art deco architectural style is enhanced by the largest clock face in London positioned on the south side of the building, which was known as ‘Big Benzene’ for a time. Standing 190ft tall and with 49,900m2 of floor space spanning 12 floors (plus basement and sub-basement) it offers some of the largest floor plates within the West End.
Key Successes
- Investigation of the extent of Regents Street disease (RSD) to the structural steel frame.
- Removal of defective Portland stone and faience masonry blocks. Stonewest’s site survey and schedule of works were undertaken to expose oxidized structural steel frame sections.
- Rust removal from the structural steel and application of protective Dismantled masonry was reinstated with matching replacement stone and faience types.
- Façade cleaning utilising Doff cleaning techniques.
- Deep clean of rain water goods.
- Solar reflective paint application to Asphalt roof coverings.
- Lead works generally.
- Decoration works to external windows (1,250 No) and doors.
