Façade Investigation, Abseil Access & Make-Safe Works

Cumberland Place, Southampton, March 2026

Commercial & Industrial

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

The 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

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