Building Transformation has been appointed to complete a large-scale façade refurbishment, leak investigation and repair project at 5 Merchant Square.
5 Merchant Square is a spectacular 262,000sq ft 14-storey office building located in the heart of Paddington Basin, London W2. Its distinctive architecture features three linked triangular towers creating a dynamic façade with a stunning full-height glass atrium that enlivens the Grand Union canal frontage and forms the western boundary of the pedestrianised public square.
Abseiling Access Specialists
The location of the building presents significant logistical and complexity challenges. Due to restricted access around the base of the building and the height involved, using scaffolding or deploying a suitably sized MEWP to access all areas would be extremely difficult, requiring costly road closures, traffic management, and disruption to pedestrians.
In contrast, rope access provides a non-intrusive, efficient, and low-impact solution that allows our skilled technicians to reach the work area safely from the roof. It eliminates the need for bulky ground-based equipment, reduces setup time, and minimises disruption to building occupants and the public. Additionally, rope access offers superior flexibility in positioning, enabling operatives to carry out the inspection and any remedial work with precision and speed.
All work will be carried out in accordance with IRATA International guidelines and by certified technicians using approved equipment, ensuring a high standard of safety and operational control.
Where rope access is not appropriate – for low-level repairs or where there are no suitable roof anchor points, we will use a combination of BMU and MEWP.
Scope of Works
The project is expected to take approximately 30 weeks to complete. Our rope access team will complete the following services:
- Façade and cladding cleaning
- Investigate areas of water ingress, remove failed sealants and apply new
- Gasket and sealant inspection and replacement
- Fixing and cladding repairs in all elevations of the facades
- Inspect and repair soffit panels and glass balustrades
- Remove and replace bird netting and deterrent measures
- Inspect structural steel, treat any corrosion and replace any corroded fasteners with corrosion-resistant alternatives
- Gasket replacement, GRC panel replacement and repair, respray of aluminium panels, and building envelope condition inspection
We specialise in repairing and maintaining tall, difficult-to-access commercial buildings and structures, façades, roofs, glazing and atriums.