Introduction
Building Transformation was appointed to develop a bespoke rope access strategy to investigate and repair persistent water ingress affecting the east wing lift motor room roof at the Hilton London Metropole in Central London.
Located above a glazed atrium and surrounded by complex roof geometry, the affected area presented a significant access challenge, with:
- No permanent access systems,
- No BMU coverage,
- No suitable locations for traditional access equipment.
The project required a specialist approach that would enable safe access to an isolated high-level roof area while maintaining full operational continuity for the hotel.
Following a detailed assessment of the building geometry and work-at-height hierarchy, rope access was identified as the only reasonably practicable solution.
Using an “up and over” rope access methodology and temporary deadweight anchorage systems, our IRATA-qualified team safely accessed the roof, carried out leak investigations, completed waterproofing repairs, and restored the roof drainage components with minimal disruption to the live hotel environment.
Project Challenges
The Hilton London Metropole is a large-scale, multi-wing hotel complex comprising varying roof levels, plant zones, glazed atrium structures, and constrained access routes. The east wing lift motor room roof was positioned above a glazed atrium, creating a non-standard access environment with several significant constraints.
Key project challenges included:
- No permanent access infrastructure or fixed anchor systems available
- Inability to utilise MEWPs due to restricted ground access and roof overhangs
- Fragile roof elements and glazed atrium structures below the working area
- Working within an operational hotel environment with strict safety requirements
- Limited manoeuvrability due to BMU tracks, exposed steelwork, and roof plant
- Requirement for full dropped-object prevention and exclusion zone controls
- Need to complete repairs safely while maintaining uninterrupted hotel operations
As part of the planning process, Building Transformation developed a bespoke access strategy aligned with IRATA International Code of Practice (ICOP) requirements and Work at Height Regulations.
Rope Access Strategy and Methodology
Following a comprehensive work-at-height assessment, rope access was selected as the safest and most controlled solution for reaching the isolated roof area.
The project utilised a specialist “up and over” rope access configuration. Temporary deadweight trolley systems compliant with EN795:2012 Type E standards were installed on the lower roof area, allowing ropes to be safely routed over the structure and onto the upper lift motor room roof.
The rope systems were designed with full redundancy, including:
- Independent working and safety lines
- Dedicated fall restraint systems near exposed edges
- Rope protection systems at all contact points
- Continuous IRATA Level 3 supervision throughout operations
Due to unavoidable edge contact within the rigging arrangement, reinforced rope protection systems were installed at all parapet interfaces to protect against abrasion and movement during operations.
This bespoke access methodology enabled our technicians to safely access the roof while maintaining continuous attachment and controlled movement throughout all phases of the works.
Leak Investigation and Waterproofing Repairs
Once access was established, the team undertook a detailed leak investigation to identify the source of water ingress affecting the lift motor room.
The investigation included:
- Controlled water testing
- Inspection of roof penetrations and vent upstands
- Assessment of sealant failures and waterproofing defects
- Inspection of rainwater drainage systems and outlets
- Thermal and visual inspection techniques to identify moisture tracking
The primary source of ingress was identified around the roof vent detailing and failed waterproofing joints.
Following the investigation, Building Transformation completed a targeted waterproofing repair programme, which included:
- Removal of failed sealants
- Preparation and cleaning of all affected surfaces
- Application of new waterproof mastic seals around vent joints
- Installation of a liquid-applied waterproof coating system
- Formation of a secondary waterproof barrier extending across the roof upstand and surrounding areas
- Clearing and maintenance of gutters and rainwater outlets
Once the repairs and coating systems had cured, the area was re-tested to confirm that the roof system was watertight and performing correctly.
Safety and Operational Management
Due to the complexity of the access environment and the operational nature of the hotel, safety planning formed a central part of the project delivery.
Our work included:
- Full IRATA-compliant rope access procedures
- Daily equipment inspections and buddy checks
- Dedicated rescue planning and rescue equipment on-site
- Secure tool tethering and dropped-object prevention systems
- Restricted roof access and exclusion zone management
- Continuous environmental and weather monitoring
- Dynamic risk assessments and Level 3 supervision throughout
All works were carried out in accordance with:
- IRATA International Code of Practice (ICOP)
- Work at Height Regulations 2005
- Relevant HSE guidance for roof and rope access operations
Project Outcome
Building Transformation completed the leak investigation and repair works while maintaining safe operations within a live hotel environment.
The bespoke rope access strategy enabled our team to safely reach an otherwise inaccessible roof area without the need for disruptive temporary access structures or large-scale equipment.
By combining specialist access expertise with targeted waterproofing repairs, the project successfully resolved the water ingress issues affecting the lift motor room while minimising disruption to hotel operations.
The completed works restored the integrity of the roof detailing, improved rainwater management performance, and provided the client with a safe and efficient long-term waterproofing solution.
Our Expertise
We specialise in surveying, repairing, and maintaining difficult-to-access commercial buildings, façades, roofs, glazing systems, and structures throughout the UK.
Our in-house IRATA rope access teams deliver complex inspection, maintenance, leak investigation, and restoration projects safely and efficiently, even within the most restricted and technically challenging environments.
