Located within Paddington Basin, 5 Merchant Square is a landmark mixed-use development comprising three interconnected towers with extensive glazed façades and complex roof-level access constraints.
Building Transformation was appointed to deliver Phase 1 of a specialist façade refurbishment, cleaning and repair programme across the development, combining rope access and BMU operations to safely access difficult-to-reach elevations while maintaining full building occupancy throughout the works.
The completed first phase involved façade inspections, specialist cleaning, gasket repairs, leak investigation works, downpipe coating repairs and reactive maintenance across Towers 1, 2 and 3. The project required a highly controlled access strategy due to restricted ground-level access, public interface considerations and non-operational BMUs on parts of the building.
Specialist Access Strategy
Due to the building’s height, restricted perimeter access and the operational constraints associated with large-scale MEWP deployment, Building Transformation implemented a rope access solution in accordance with IRATA guidelines.
Our teams designed and installed bespoke rigging systems utilising the building’s structural steelwork and BMU track stanchions as anchor locations. Protective edge systems, exclusion zones and dedicated pedestrian management measures were implemented throughout the programme to ensure public safety and uninterrupted building operation.
Where operationally viable, the existing BMU systems were also incorporated into the access methodology for selected façade elevations, providing efficient and controlled access for inspection and remedial works.
Scope of Completed Phase 1 Works
Phase 1 works included:
- Specialist façade cleaning
- Inspection and remediation of displaced façade gaskets
- Leak investigation works above occupied areas
- Downpipe preparation and coating repairs
- Sealant and façade remedial works
- Façade condition inspections across multiple elevations
- Reactive emergency attendance works
- Rope access and BMU-enabled inspections to high-level glazing and cladding interfaces
The project also involved working above sensitive occupied areas, including public walkways and gym access routes, requiring temporary pedestrian protection systems and continuous coordination with the client and building management teams.
Operational Challenges
The project presented several technical and logistical challenges, including:
- Restricted roof access and sloping rigging zones
- Non-operational BMU systems on selected towers during early phases
- Complex public interface management at ground level
- Weather exposure and wind management for rope access operations
- Coordination with ongoing building operations and subcontractors
- High-level access to difficult façade junctions and corner elevations
Building Transformation’s in-house IRATA-qualified technicians and supervisors developed bespoke access and rescue methodologies tailored specifically to the building geometry and operational environment.
Safety and Compliance
All works were undertaken in accordance with:
- IRATA International Code of Practice
- Work at Height Regulations 2005
- Site-specific RAMS and rescue procedures
- BMU operational safety procedures
- Full exclusion zone and dropped-object prevention protocols
The project incorporated continuous supervision by IRATA Level 3 supervisors, daily equipment inspections, controlled exclusion zones and dedicated rescue planning throughout all phases of the works.
Outcome
Phase 1 of the 5 Merchant Square façade cleaning and repairs programme has now been successfully completed, delivering critical maintenance and inspection works across the development while maintaining safe building occupation and minimising disruption to tenants and the public.
Building Transformation continues to support the ongoing façade maintenance strategy for the site through specialist access, inspection and remedial services.
