The Royal Brompton Hospital, Kensington and Chelsea

Project overview

R.E.B is undertaking a programme of external refurbishment, demolition, structural alterations and accessibility improvement works at Royal Brompton Hospital, Dovehouse Street.

Working within a live hospital environment, the project involves the careful removal of existing structures and the reconstruction of key external areas to facilitate improved access, circulation and functionality around the building.

The scope of works includes the demolition and removal of the existing gas store, bike store, entrance canopy and ramped access structures, together with the removal of existing roof coverings to the gas store and lift building. These enabling works are being followed by the construction of a new reinforced concrete access ramp and landing, associated retaining structures, new paving, hardstanding and improvements to the surrounding footways and kerbs.

The project also includes the construction of a new store structure, incorporating reinforced concrete foundations and associated brickwork.

Managing the logistical challenges

One of the defining challenges of this project is the restricted working environment and the limited availability of space for materials storage and waste management.

The site presents a particular logistical challenge, with the designated material storage area located remotely from the working area and the allocated skip positioned around the corner from the project.

This means that every delivery, movement of materials and removal of waste must be carefully planned and coordinated. Materials cannot simply be stored alongside the works, requiring our team to manage deliveries, handling and distribution efficiently to maintain progress and minimise disruption.

Waste removal also requires additional planning, with demolition materials and general site waste having to be transported from the work area to the designated skip location. This adds another layer of coordination to an already restricted site.

R.E.B's experience in managing challenging construction environments allows us to adapt our working methods, carefully sequence activities and maintain an organised working area despite these restrictions.

Working within a live hospital environment

As the hospital remains operational throughout the project, careful consideration is being given to site segregation, protection of surrounding areas, access arrangements and the sequencing of construction activities.

Our team is working with the wider project stakeholders to ensure that demolition, excavation and construction activities are coordinated appropriately, with due consideration for the hospital's day-to-day operations.

Maintaining a safe, controlled and organised working environment is central to the delivery of the project.

The works

The current programme encompasses several key elements:

• Demolition and strip-out: removal of existing roof coverings, the gas store, bike store, entrance canopy and redundant ramp structures.
• Reinforced concrete construction: formation of the new access ramp and landing, including reinforcement, concrete works and associated structural elements.
• Brickwork and structural works: construction of new retaining elements and the replacement store structure, including reinforced concrete foundations and associated masonry.
• Hardstanding and external works: preparation and construction of new concrete infill areas, sub-bases and finished surfaces.
• Paving and accessibility improvements: installation of new paving, tactile surfaces, visual contrast features and associated step finishes.
• Footways and kerbs: alterations to existing pavement levels, removal of existing steps and installation of new kerbs to improve access and circulation.

Project progress

This is a live project, with R.E.B continuing to manage the works through a carefully coordinated programme of demolition, construction and external improvements.

The project highlights our ability to take on multi-disciplinary construction packages in challenging urban environments, where restricted access, remote material storage, waste management and the need to maintain operational facilities all demand careful planning and experienced site management.

Project team

• Client: Quinn London