Spring 2005

Szerelmey have been appointed by Balfour Beatty Construction Limited to carry out cleaning and repairs to the external brickwork and stonework façade to this world famous hotel.The Grosvenor, built around 1927, sits on the site of Grosvenor House, the home of the Dukes of Westminster.This five star hotel with more than 448 bedrooms and suites is reputed to have the largest ballroom in Europe.

The 6th and 7th floor beams were initially exposed to evaluate their condition and were then grit blasted and totally treated with Sika products before the brickwork was completely rebuilt. All works are being carried out whilst the hotel has remained in occupation. Stringent sequencing and programming has therefore been essential to minimise disruption to the hotel’s business.

Following this work, the building has been cleaned using traditional cleaning methods prior to localised repair and repointing works being carried out.

The whole of the perimeter copings on the 6th and 7th floors are being replaced with new reconstituted Portland stone copings.

Areas of the low level stonework had to be removed to establish the condition of the steel frame. Szerelmey have carefully sourced the original stone from France and replaced the areas previously removed.

Brickwork is being reinstated where possible using cleaned, salvaged bricks with any losses made up with new or reclaimed bricks. Particular attention and consideration is being given to the selection of replacement bricks to match the existing façade.