Building Transformation was appointed by Savills to undertake the first phase of a structured façade condition survey and planned maintenance programme at Kings Place, London.
Having previously completed a range of works at the building, including façade repairs, the latest programme takes a more proactive approach to understanding and managing the condition of the external envelope.
Rather than surveying the entire building in a single exercise, the façade is being assessed progressively over a three-year period. Approximately one-third of the building will be surveyed each year, with identified repairs incorporated into subsequent works, creating an ongoing cycle of inspection, remediation and preventative maintenance.
A Proactive Approach to Façade Condition Management
The first phase involves a detailed tactile and visual condition survey covering approximately 33% of the building façade.
The objective is to establish the condition, stability and integrity of the different façade materials and identify defects that may require maintenance, repair or further investigation.
By dividing the survey and maintenance programme across three years, the building management team can develop a clearer picture of façade condition while planning future expenditure and remedial works in a structured and manageable way.
The approach is designed to:
- Identify façade defects before they develop into more significant issues
- Assess the condition and security of façade materials and components
- Establish priorities for further investigation and remediation
- Provide accurate information for future maintenance planning
- Support more predictable maintenance budgeting
- Create an ongoing record of façade condition over time
Façade Condition Survey Scope
Building Transformation’s skilled and experienced team carry out both visual and tactile inspections from the building’s existing Building Maintenance Unit (BMU).
Where façade elements can be safely reached, materials and components are physically checked for signs of movement, deterioration or inadequate fixing.
The survey covers all relevant façade elements within the selected areas, with particular attention given to:
- General condition of external façade materials
- Loose, damaged or inadequately secured components
- Façade fixings and missing fixings
- Glazing and associated components
- Sealants, joints and interfaces
- Areas requiring further detailed investigation
- Defects affecting the appearance or condition of the building
The programme also incorporates inspection of the internal face of the distinctive waved glazing section on the south elevation.
Where defects are identified, key information including their location, dimensions and severity is recorded alongside photographic evidence.
Digital Defect Mapping and Reporting
Accurate reporting is an important part of the survey programme.
Defects identified during each BMU drop are digitally recorded using Building Transformation’s R-drive reporting system, creating a detailed record of the location, type and severity of each issue.
Where an element presents an immediate concern, this can be escalated promptly to the project team and building management so that an appropriate response can be agreed.
Items requiring additional analysis are also highlighted separately, allowing further investigation to be prioritised where necessary.
Following each survey phase, the information gathered is used to produce a comprehensive condition report designed to support both maintenance planning and future budget allocation.
Façade Survey Delivery Strategy
Kings Place presents several access and logistical considerations, requiring detailed planning before the survey can be undertaken.
The building’s existing BMU provides access to the façade and is operated by Building Transformation’s trained team throughout the works.
Delivery includes:
- Planned BMU drops across designated survey areas
- Controlled exclusion zones beneath each working location
- Careful coordination around entrances, exits and pedestrian routes
- Tool tethering and dropped-object controls
- Coordination with building management throughout the programme
- Continuous monitoring of weather and wind conditions
- Digital recording of defects directly from the façade
The building remains operational throughout the works, making coordination particularly important when surveying above pedestrianised areas and building access points.
Managing Complex Waterside Access
One of the principal access challenges at Kings Place is the east elevation, where sections of the façade are positioned directly above the water.
This requires a specific rescue methodology and close coordination between the Building Transformation team, building security and the site’s nominated rescue provision before BMU operations can take place in these areas.
The access strategy therefore considers not only how the façade can be inspected efficiently, but also how operatives can be safely recovered should a BMU failure or medical emergency occur.
This site-specific planning allows difficult areas of the façade to be incorporated within the wider condition survey rather than excluded because of access constraints.
Creating a Three-Year Planned Maintenance Programme
The initial 33% survey forms the first stage of a longer-term approach to façade management at Kings Place.
The programme is designed to repeat the survey and subsequent maintenance process annually over three years, progressively covering the entire building.
This creates a cycle of:
Inspect → record → prioritise → investigate → repair → monitor
Rather than relying solely on reactive intervention when façade problems become apparent, the approach gives the building management team better information on emerging defects and future maintenance requirements.
It also provides an evolving digital condition record that can be used to monitor deterioration, prioritise expenditure and plan works according to condition and risk.
Supporting Long-Term Façade Performance
The programme provides Savills with a structured approach to managing a complex commercial façade.
By combining specialist access, close-up condition assessment and detailed digital reporting, Building Transformation can provide the information needed to make informed decisions about where maintenance resources should be prioritised.
As the programme progresses, survey findings will inform further investigation and targeted repair works, helping the building management team move towards a preventative rather than reactive approach to façade maintenance.
Our Role at Kings Place
Building Transformation provides an integrated façade inspection and maintenance service at Kings Place, including:
- Detailed tactile and visual façade surveys
- Specialist BMU access
- Digital defect mapping and photographic reporting
- Identification of immediate and emerging maintenance priorities
- Recommendations for further investigation
- Planning and delivery of subsequent façade repairs
- Long-term support for preventative façade maintenance
By combining the inspection, access and subsequent remediation within one programme, the condition information gathered during each survey phase can be directly translated into practical maintenance activity over the following years.
If you would like to find out more about our Building Envelope Maintenance Programmes, download our brochure or get in touch today.
