.svg)
Client:
Cat-A curveball: Residential to commercial in a matter of weeks
About the project
What started as a flagship HQ for one of the UK’s top house builders quickly evolved into something entirely different. Just weeks into the build, plans changed — and Integra was tasked with transforming the space into a high-quality Cat A fit-out, without extending the deadline. With services already underway, tight ceiling restrictions, and rooftop units needing craning in from across the street, this project was packed with challenges. Read on to discover how smart coordination, bold decisions, and some seriously heavy lifting turned a major curveball into a standout commercial space.
Originally intended to become the headquarters of a division of one of the most successful house builders in the UK, the intention was for the bottom two floors of this eight-storey building to be commercial while the rest was residential. However, not long after commencing the project, the move was deemed unviable, and so we worked closely with the main contractor to turn this into a Cat A space, thereby giving flexibility to any incoming tenant.
Services installation had already commenced, and so we had to come up with a cost effective way of minimising the impact. With this big change, the deadlines had to remain the same. In terms of the actual install, we were tasked to maximise the ceiling height while incorporating a large ductwork spine, and AHUs had to be installed on the roof – 8 floors up – with no easy nearby access.
.svg)
.svg)
Got a project in mind?
Let’s chat about your current MEP challenges, without any obligation.
Solutions
We initially worked with the client's design consultants, but when this changed to Cat A we took responsibility for a large portion of the design work in order to maximise cost efficiencies while avoiding delays.
To overcome the challenges with the ceiling heights, we carried out careful coordination and clash control in order to determine best routes giving the least impact.
For the AHU install, we liaised with adjacent properties to position a very large, 300T mobile crane. This crane had to be oversized to allow for the height and reach required from the far side of the building.
Services
+ Designs, calculations and drawings
+ Containment
+ Main distribution
+ Submain distribution
+ Internal lighting
+ External lighting
+ Lighting controls
+ Fire alarm
+ Security and access control
+ CCTV
+ Plumbing
+ Ventilation
+ Air conditioning
+ Lagging
+ Controls including BMS
+ Commissioning
.jpg)
.jpg)
.png)
Metro Building
Hammersmith hotspot: Achieving a rugged and industrial workspace