Hawley Wharf, Building A0

Retaining a façade to seamlessly integrate with the broader Hawley Wharf masterplan

As part of the Hawley Wharf masterplan, the façade of Building A0 needed to be retained as part of planning requirements and integrated into a series of new-build four-storey, terraced commercial units that were being built on the plot. Walsh carefully co-ordinated with the temporary works designer and overcame a number of challenges to successfully deliver this project.

Retaining the front, rear, and one flank wall of the existing structure, the remainder of the building within these boundaries was selectively demolished including party-walls between properties. Walsh designed a new steel frame which could be erected within the existing walls and the existing façade could then be tied back to this steel frame.

As the original front wall at ground floor was only supported on a series of timber beams and brick piers typical of the building’s era, this needed to be removed in it’s entirety. Walsh designed new box frames which could be installed and provide adequate support for the front façade at level one and above.

To maximise the commercial space, the basement was lowered, so we designed a construction sequence that allowed the existing walls to be underpinned.

The result is new commercial units which seamlessly blend into the vibrant urban fabric of the surrounding area.