The project works involve the demolition of the existing structure whilst retaining the impressive façade at the front of the buildings. Existing features such as the roof slates, chimney pots and brickwork are to be removed and reinstated into the new construction. The façade will be temporarily supported during the demolition of the existing structure and linked to the construction of the new structure behind. The façade support system has been designed around the use of the existing coal holes, thereby minimising disruption to the existing utility services currently located beneath the pavement and carriageway.

The sub-structure works include major underpinning to the existing structure using approximately 200 1m x 2m deep pins. The next stage of the works, the superstructure, is a steel frame with holorib decking and insitu concrete infill. The envelope will comprise of a mixture of brickwork, structural glazing and permanent sun-shading techniques to the rear elevation.

The internal finishes will include high quality stone tiling and walnut joinery as well as raised access flooring, suspended ceilings and full air conditioning.

The project has been designed to achieve a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent' and incorporates sustainable features such as ground source heat pumps, photovoltaic roof slates, green roof and solar heating to the apartments.

Stuart Yates, senior project manager at VolkerFitzpatrick, said: "This is an exciting project in the centre of London whereby existing traditional architecture will be integrated into a new and sustainable building. With the requirement for more sustainable buildings that meet mandatory standards on the rise our in-house capability to design and construct specialist refurbishment projects is certainly in demand."

The works are expected to last 80 weeks until May 2013.