A SPOLIGHT ON | A Recently Completed Scheme, The Castle Club
Knowles is pleased to announce that we have completed works at The Castle Club, Fulham.
Having commenced work in November 2021, Knowles were appointment by Thackeray Estates as Main Contractor to complete Phase 1 shell and core work, and working closely with the team from Thackeray, alongside Darling Associates (Architect) and Structural Engineers, Engineeria.
As a part of Knowles’ Phase 1 S&C package, alterations and restoration of the existing Grade II listed building were carried out, as well as the build of a new 4-storey pre-cast concrete structure including a 5,000 sq/ft basement, which was directly linked to the existing building. The new extension has been designed to sympathetically integrate and compliment with the original Grade II listed building – carefully unifying both historic and contemporary design, and further enhancing the existing streetscape in this conservation area.
Originally built in 1855, by architect Horace Francis, The Castle Club is built in the Gothic Revival style and a juxtaposition from the local surroundings. The Castle Club is known as an iconic building located within the Hurlingham Conservation Area in Parsons Green and was formerly the Eight Feathers Club, and originally a private school.
Once fully completed The Castle Club will be a new state-of-the-art care home supporting the local Fulham area. The sympathetic yet modern extension has introduced additional floor space, with the design reinvigorating and reinstating a local landmark building, while fully respecting and retaining the historic character and principal architecture.
Full Details on Knowles’ Scope of Works Included:
- Secant piled basement with raft foundation, perimeter RC liner walls and retaining walls & full basement cavity drainage waterproofing system
- Piled foundations to support ground floor level slabs
- RC concrete & steel frame with RC concrete slabs, RC walls and riser openings
- Low maintenance green roof areas with access routes, hard landscaped plant areas and terraces, mansafe systems, rooflights, and glazed balustrades to terrace
- RC lift core
- Building envelope works (external cladding, windows, external doors)
- M&E
- Internal alterations to suit new shell & core layout
- External works including site wide drainage, hard landscaping
We sat down with Knowles’ Project Manager on the scheme, Robin O’Toole to find out more on the challenges has faced on this project, what he believes is the key to delivering a project of this complexity and more.
What challenges have you experienced on the Project, and how did you overcome them?
There have been various challenges to overcome on this project, from the strict regulations that come with working on a listed building, the unexpected ground water encountered during the basement dig, to the management and coordination of the D&B subcontractors, many of which were specialist due to the nature of the project. Over the course of the project, we encountered some quite extreme weather conditions which caused issues to the external works. However, these were all overcome by keeping focused on particular issues/the matters at hand and with strong communication through the team while tracking matters closely.
What has been your favourite part of the project?
My favourite part of the project was seeing the new build section being constructed, with RC frame, precast concrete panels and curtain walling. I loved the juxtaposition between this part of the building and the listed building.
What do you believe is the key to delivering a successful project of this complexity?
The key to delivering this complex project successfully was having a very helpful, collaborative team. We carried out regular design workshops which were necessary to overcome the various issues throughout.
What did you find interesting about this project?
The restoration of the Grade 2 Gothic style listed building, and the very contemporary pre-cast new build structure. It was very interesting to see these two extreme examples of construction combined into one, and how they worked so well together, which was a credit to the Architect.
What is the most complex aspect of working on a historic building and what are the key considerations?
Working on a historic building is very complex, especially when faced with the restrictions against using modern building methods and materials, instead using specific non-standard materials. We uncovered issues along the way, which were only discovered through the course of carrying out the works. Dealing with these various issues that were thrown up, overcoming them, and remaining on programme was a challenge.
Project Team
Main Contractor – Knowles
Client – Thackeray Group
Architect – Darling Associates
Structural Engineers – Engineeria
Contract Administrator – Leslie Clarke
