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.”
