News Archives - Knowles

Category: News

NEW PROJECT | Knowles appointed as Principal Contractor for a Luxury Residence on Hamilton Terrace

Knowles is delighted to announce that we have recently been appointed as Principal Contractor at a prestigious project on Hamilton Terrace, St Johns Wood. The project involves the complete remodel and extension of the existing the residence which includes the formation of a new 2,500 sq/ft basement.

With phase 1 due to complete in Q4 2023, Knowles’ scope of works will include façade retention, excavation of the new basement level and substructure, formation of the new internal superstructure.

Located in St John’s Wood, North London, Hamilton Terrace is a wide, highly sought-after, tree-lined residential thoroughfare. Named after Charles Hamilton, a Harrow School governor, the street is home to a variety of grand detached and semi-detached houses and mansion blocks, which has been home to a number of notable residents including artists, musicians, actors and actresses and many more. With its village like ambiance, elegant regency buildings, world famous cricket ground and established cosmopolitan atmosphere, St John’s Wood is one of prime London’s most desirable addresses.

Contract Administrator – Regency Grove

Architects – KSR

Structural Engineers – HTS

M&E – Integration

Hamilton Terrace, NW8

NEW PROJECT | Knowles Appointed as Principal Contractor to Deliver Phase 1 Works at Lancelot Place

Knowles are excited to announce that we have been appointed as Principal contractor to deliver Phase 1 works at 3-11 Lancelot Place, Knightsbridge.

The scheme which sits within the Trevor Square Conservation Area, just across the road from Harrods in Knightsbridge, includes the demolition of 6 existing houses that date back to the 1960’s, and replacing them with 5 luxury townhouses.

Knowles’ scope of work includes the excavation of a complete footprint double depth basement, build of a 3-storey superstructure and complete shell & core works including envelope works. Phase 2, upon appointment, will include the final fit-out and finishes. Each luxury townhouse will be 3500sq/ft and aid in revitalisation of the Brompton Road’s surrounding streets.

With commencement beginning in January, phase 1 will be complete in April 2023, with full scheme completion expected in November 2023.

PROJECT WIN | Knowles Appointed as Principal Contractor on Phase 2 Works at a Private Residence in Wimbledon.

After successfully delivering Phase 1, Knowles is now proud to announce our appointment as Principal Contractor on Phase 2, completing this super-prime scheme in the heart of Wimbledon.

Knowles’ scope of works for Phase 2 will include construction of the entire property superstructure, alongside the full associated M&E services, AV, as well as complete internal fit-out, finishes, and external landscaping works.

Designed by Indigo Design Associates and Adam Architecture, upon completion, the property will stand as a traditionally designed, four-storey detached dwelling house, with 3 storeys at ground level plus a basement level.

In keeping with the local area, the external design will be traditional; constructed in red brickwork, stone detailing, slate tiled roof, and acoustically glazed timber windows.

For updates on this project, please visit Knowles’ case studies and follow us on Instagram.

Project Team

Main Contractor: Knowles

Design: Indigo Design Associates

Design: Adam Architecture

Structural Engineers: Duffy Associates

Quantity Surveyors: Huntley Cartwright

IN THE MEDIA | 100-106 High Street Kensington Featured in PrimeResi

Watch: Construction works complete at prominent mixed-use Kensington High Street scheme

Phase 1 construction work has completed on a rather handsome mixed-use development on Kensington High Street.

The HSPI Building at Nos.100-106 is on the way to delivering four new “Scandinavian-inspired” apartments alongside retail units and office space, all in a prime location in the middle of Kensington’s main shopping street.

Architecture practice PDP London has designed a brand new building behind the original Victorian façade, securing planning consent in 2019. Main contractor Knowles started on site in January 2020, and has just celebrated Phase 1 completion – including construction of a modern structure at the back. A timelapse video (above) charts the progress.

“This project has significantly transformed the eastern wing of one of the capitals most iconic streets in Kensington with an aesthetically sensitive, and innovatively designed mixed-use scheme,” says the Knowles team.

Particular challenges for contractor Knowles and project manager PBC have included working on a hectic thoroughfare and dealing with Tube lines that lie just three metres below the scheme’s ground floor slab.

Knowles has now handed over the site for Phase 2 works – including fitting out the four luxury apartments.

New residential units will “blend historic English architecture with premium Scandinavian design,” says the developer.

Occupying the top two levels of the new building, set back from the road, apartments include a 130 square metre penthouse on the fourth floor, with a roof terrace that promises striking views over West London.

Robin O’Toole, Knowles’ Project Manager: “Project Managing this scheme was extremely challenging but also rewarding – from the facade retention with complex temporary works, to the live circle line tube tunnel only 300mm below the GF slab, limiting much of the available space for storage on the Ground Floor, to the complex steel frame which transferred the weight of the building on to the party walls from the 1st floor up to the roof, keeping the weight off the tunnel below.

“Dealing with deliveries on one of London’s busiest streets, as well as the constant passing pedestrians, was a challenge and demanded 100% focus from the whole Knowles team on site – but it was a challenge that we were able to overcome with a stringent CTMP and clear communication. The communication between management and trades was essential with daily morning briefings to achieve targets.

“We were proud to achieve an excellent considerate constructor score of 41, which praised this site on all levels including managing to maintain excellent relations with the local neighbours.

“All in all, I can say I consider myself extremely lucky to have experienced such a varied and challenging project and certainly felt I expanded my overall knowledge and I look forward to seeing the project completed once Phase 2 has been delivered.”

Jim Heatley, Client representative at PCB: “Knowles succeeded in delivery the Shell and Core phase of project, delivering a great end product for our mutual Client. Knowles navigated a logistically challenging, tight site, difficult ground conditions and impressively, worked with minimal impact throughout the CV-19 pandemic inclusive of numerous lockdowns with minimal programme impact. Communication from the site team, particularly Robin O’Toole was solid throughout and kept all parties up to speed with risks, issues and progressed.”

PROJECT WIN | Knowles appointed at Avenue Road

Knowles is pleased to announce that we have been recommissioned by the new property owner at a super-prime residence on London’s exclusive Avenue Road.

The scope of works is to extend the existing and recently formed basement to fulfill the original and intended approved scheme.

The properties existing 1,750 sq/ft basement, which sits beneath the 4-storey residence was originally delivered by Knowles in 2018. But this year, under new ownership, the basement will increase by a further 4,410 sq/ft to create a 6,160 sq/ft subterranean space that spans entire property footprint and will feature a luxury swimming pool, as well as further leisure and living facilities beneath the super-prime home.

The project duration for the white box phase is 6 months and will be delivered by Knowles’ Structures team.

Architect: HBA Residential

Structural Engineer: Vincent Rymill

For more information on this project, visit our Avenue Road project portfolio page.

COMPANY NEWS | Introducing K Piling

Introducing K Piling – Knowles’ newest division and team is dedicated to providing both Knowles and external contractors with efficient, quality and committed piling works. A unique division of Knowles, and an in-house capability that sets Knowles apart from our peers, K Piling supports and enhances Knowles’ diverse in-house construction offering.

When working with Knowles, K Piling enables Knowles projects to have an advantage across multiple factors including project programme, budget, and quality, and when required, allows us to have the required flexibility and quick action that enables us to work dynamically. One less subcontractor to use, meaning more cost and programme control.

But when working with external contractors, assurance in quality and experience, alongside competitive pricing is evident.

K Piling delivers secant and contiguous piling, and with the ability to both design and deliver, and alongside the teams unrivalled experience, the team have the know-how to problem solve and value-engineer.

Using the latest and most efficient piling rigs and innovative techniques, alongside employing only the most highly qualified and experienced engineers and staff, K Piling ensures safety standards are of paramount importance, complementing those commitments upheld by all at Knowles.

For more information or to enquire about K Piling’s Services email james@kpiling.uk.com or contact@kpiling.uk.com

LinkedIn | K Piling

PROJECT WIN | Knowles Commences Work On a New Super-Prime Project in North London

Knowles is proud to announce the commencement of a new super-prime residence in the heart of London. Our scope of works include the initial demolition of the existing property, followed by the excavation of a 8,000 sq /ft double-depth basement and the re-build of a 7,000 sq/ft aesthetically sensitive and original style superstructure.

Included in Knowles’ package of works is the complete internal fit-out which includes high-specification and luxury finishes.
Works commenced in August 2021, and are due for completion in Q4 2023.

Principal Contractor: Knowles
Architect: SHH Architects Landscape Architect: Bowles & Wyer
Structural Engineer: Ross & Partners
MEP Consultants: ME7
Project Managers, Quantity Surveyor & Principal Designer: Jackson Coles

Portfolio: Private Residence, North London

PROJECT WIN | Knowles Appointed as Main Contractor at The Castle Club

Knowles is pleased to announce our recent appointment by Thackeray Estates as Main Contractor for shell and core works at The Castle Club, Fulham. Working closely with Thackeray Group, alongside Architect Darling Associates and Structural Engineers, Engineeria, we look forward to delivering the highly anticipated scheme, beginning in early November 2021.

Built in 1855, by architect Horace Francis, The Castle Club, 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.

Formerly the Eight Feathers Club, and originally a private school, once completed The Castle Club will be a new state-of-the-art care home supporting the local Fulham area.

Within Knowles’ scope of works are the following aspects:

Alterations and restoration to existing Grade II listed building, constructed 1855, comprising of red brick with stone dressings and slate roof.
Build of a new 4-storey Shell & Core structure including a 5,000 sq/ft basement – linked to the existing building
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

The sympathetic yet modern extension will introduce additional floor space and the design will reinvigorate and reinstate a local landmark building, while fully respecting and retaining the historic character and principal architecture. The new extension is designed to sympathetically integrate with the original building, carefully unifying both historic and contemporary design, and further enhancing the existing streetscape in this conservation area.

The Castle Club has an anticipated shell & core completion of Q4 2022, with works commencing in early November 2021.

Owner: Thackeray Group

Main Contractor: Knowles

Architect: Darling Associates

Structural Engineer: Engineeria

IN THE MEDIA | The Bull & Last featured in Dezeen

Knowles have recently completed the refurbishment at the iconic The Bull & Last Pub in North London.

As Principal Contractor, Knowles helped to completely renovate the 300-year-old coaching inn, with the addition of boutique hotel rooms and a pair of Japanese-inspired duplex flats which were inserted next to the pub. Within Knowles’ package, alongside the shell & core works included the complete fit-out of the Bull & Last Pub. In the main bar and dining area, most of The Bull and Last’s existing details were preserved, with the refurbishment of original wood floors, while taxidermy bulls take pride of place above the bar. New features included dual dumb waiters, new windows, new paneling to all stairways and fit of the commercial kitchen, offices and pub WC’s

Working closely with D’Haus Architects and the Client, the project continued to progress throughout 2020, despite the pandemic and reopened its doors in July 2021 for dining and overnight guests.

To celebrate the completion of the project, we are thrilled to have seen the work published in Dezeen Magazine highlighting the careful work that needed to be taken to ensure history was kept, whilst allowing the pub to become a new culinary hot spot and hotel destination.

Click here to read the Dezeen Magazine article.

Bull & Last, NW5 – Knowles

PROJECT UPDATE | Phase 1 at High Street Kensington

Knowles is approaching the final few months of phase 1 works at our Kensington High Street project.

Once complete, the project will significantly transform the eastern wing of one of the capitals most iconic streets in Kensington with an aesthetically sensitive, and innovatively designed mixed-use scheme. Sitting in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, within a highly sought-after retail location and one of London’s most prestigious communities, this project provides the opportunities for a regeneration of the local community, the addition of revitalised retails spaces and the creation of residential units.

Since commencing works in January 2020, Knowles have completed a complex scope of works including the extensive and sensitive demolition of existing buildings whilst retaining and restoring the prominent street-facing front façade with highly engineered temporary works. The erection of the new rear modernised structure is well underway, alongside the following works which have been completed:

Piling
Drainage
New RC Slabs
New RC lift shaft
New RC Stairs
Structural Steel Frame with slab infills
Blockwork to level 2

Due to the location of the project, a highly skilled and engineered management approach has been taken to aid in monitoring the neighboring TFL interface, which sits at 300mm below the ground floor slab.

Throughout our time on site, the incredible site team were awarded a score of 41/50 on the recent Site Report by the Considerate Constructors Scheme. The team were commended on their “very high standards of code compliance” with the “initial impressions remaining exceptional, the highlight being the magnificent die-bonded hoarding and wrap to the front elevation.”

Knowles’ Site Management were highlighted for “clearly demonstrating a commitment to the local community and the collaboration and support for neighbors and third party stakeholders is exemplary.”

Over the coming months, with works set for completing in Q1 of 2022, Knowles will be finishing the rear and party wall brickwork, completing all roofs, window, balcony and railing installation to the rear, as well as the installation of an aluminium cladding to the facia. Alongside this work, Knowles will include the crane and complete small blockwork internally before handing over for phase 2 which will consist of the fit-out of the commercial retail units and four luxury residential units.

Throughout our time on site, Knowles have made use of a time-lapse camera located on site to benefit both the site team, commercial team and clients.

With the global pandemic putting the opportunity to host site visits on pause, we found our time-lapse cameras playing a vital role in the management and overseeing of the site. These state-of-the-art cameras are high definition, and record constantly, allowing for real-time, and past time updates when necessary. They aid in verifying works that have taken place, checking on deliveries and support monthly valuations and reports as well as showcasing the efficiency and progress on a site to clients globally.

We look forward to providing an update post completion.

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