Project Case Study
Project Title: Cumberland Place, Southampton – Façade Investigation, Abseil Access & Make-Safe Works
Location: Cumberland Place, Southampton
Sector: Commercial / Office
Project Overview
Concrete Repair Solutions were instructed to undertake façade investigation and make-safe works to the reverse elevation of the White Building, Cumberland Place, Southampton.
The works were commissioned in preparation for a window replacement programme. CRS were appointed to access the elevation via abseil methods, carry out detailed condition testing, identify defective and hollow render and concrete, make safe any immediate risks, and prepare marked-up elevation drawings and a formal report for the principal contractor.
The project was delivered within a live, occupied multi-storey office building environment.
What We Did
- Undertook rope access (abseil) survey to reverse elevation
- Carried out hammer tap testing to identify hollow and delaminated areas
- Identified and recorded defective render and concrete
- Removed loose and unstable material to make safe
- Marked up defect locations on elevation drawings
- Prepared formal report detailing findings and recommended remedial works
Technical Overview
The White Building is a multi-storey commercial office property with rendered façade elements and exposed reinforced concrete components.
In advance of window replacement works, the reverse elevation required investigation to identify potential façade risks. Rope access techniques were employed to allow safe and controlled inspection of the elevation without the need for full scaffold installation.
Hammer tap testing was undertaken to detect hollow and delaminated render and concrete. Areas identified as unstable were made safe through controlled removal of loose material. All defect locations were recorded and transferred onto marked elevation drawings to assist the principal contractor in planning subsequent remediation and window installation works.
A structured condition report was produced, providing clarity on defect extent, risk areas and recommended next-stage actions.
Project Challenges
- Working via rope access to a multi-storey elevation
- Coordinating with a live refurbishment programme
- Maintaining safety within an occupied office environment
- Accurately mapping façade defects for future works planning
Outcome
The investigation and make-safe works provided the principal contractor with a clear understanding of façade condition prior to window replacement works.
Identified risks were mitigated, unstable material was removed, and detailed marked drawings were produced to support effective planning of the next phase of façade remediation.
Services Demonstrated
- Rope access façade inspection
- Hammer tap testing and defect identification
- Façade make-safe works
- Condition reporting and marked elevation drawings
- Commercial refurbishment support
- Coordinated delivery within live environments
