Worshipful Company of Dyers – Dowgate Hill

Project Overview

The refurbishment of the Worshipful Company of Dyers at 13 Dowgate Hill is a complex transformation of a historic, occupied building. Working within a live environment, the project calls for meticulous planning, innovative engineering and careful coordination to preserve the character of the building while delivering a contemporary, structurally enhanced interior.

Scope of Works

The works involve the complete refurbishment of the internal spaces, beginning with an extensive strip-out of floor finishes, wall coverings, furnishings and all mechanical and electrical services, including radiators and lighting.

A significant element of the programme is the structural enhancement of the building. New structural steelwork is being installed between floor levels to strengthen the existing structure, alongside the construction of a new steel stair core. These works require carefully engineered temporary propping, needle supports and cast padstones to keep the building stable through every phase of construction.

Further improvements include new floor joists, ComFlor composite decking, new staircases, refurbishment of the original sash windows, new doors, premium floor finishes and a full internal redecoration, creating a refreshed, modern environment that respects the building's heritage.

A Bespoke Solution for Safe Access

With the existing staircase removed, maintaining safe access through the building was a unique challenge. To overcome it, a bespoke external staircase was designed and installed through a window opening, allowing uninterrupted access and egress while the internal structural works progress safely.

Innovation

To address areas with limited natural daylight, an intelligent daylight dimming lighting control system has been incorporated. It automatically adjusts artificial lighting in response to available daylight, improving occupant wellbeing while reducing energy consumption and supporting long-term sustainability.

Overcoming Complex Challenges

Delivering structural works within a live historic building has required innovative thinking and meticulous sequencing. Removing the existing staircase demanded a carefully planned temporary access strategy so the building could remain operational, and the new steelwork involved extensive temporary works, precise engineering and carefully coordinated installation to maintain the integrity of the existing structure.

Close collaboration with local authority stakeholders has also been essential. Early engagement and proactive communication have helped manage statutory approvals and minimise programme impacts.

Digital Project Delivery

SharePoint and cloud-based collaboration platforms provide secure document management and seamless communication across the project team, while Site Sheet software delivers real-time site reporting, drawing control and live project updates, keeping every stakeholder informed at each stage of the refurbishment.

Key Lessons

The project has reinforced the importance of detailed pre-construction planning and collaborative working. Early consultation with local authorities is vital to build approval times into the programme, and comprehensive sequencing is fundamental to traditional refurbishment projects, where each phase relies on the successful completion of the last.

The Worshipful Company of Dyers showcases our ability to deliver technically challenging refurbishment and structural alteration work within occupied heritage buildings, combining engineering excellence, innovative problem-solving and collaborative project management.