The structural framework for an iconic new landmark in Mayfair's oldest sqaure is taking shape with companies working firmly in partnership to meet the 2021 completion date.
Barretts of Aspley, a leading specialist in major structural and architectural metalwork is currently undertaking final elements of complex building works at the pioneering new development at 22 Hanover Square, London.
Known as The Residences at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London, the project has been designed by internationally recognised architectural firm Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, with the incorporation of 684 Vierendeel columns manufactured by Barretts of Aspley for the building’s façade.
“Behind the powerful façade there’s a secret world of surprise and contrast, lightness and fluidity,” explains Graham Stirk, of Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners. “An unexpected experience.”
The grand façade is inspired by the proportions of some of the finest buildings of the Georgian era. The floor-to-ceiling windows alternate with 1.5 metre long hand-made Italian bricks, and are accented with Juliet balconies. The triple-height glass atrium and glass lift shafts will flood the building’s communal spaces with light.
ISG has secured a £50 million project with Clivedale London to deliver the shell and core construction. The linked development at 22 Hanover Square comprises a 50-key luxury 5-star Mandarin Oriental Hotel and 80 individual apartments, housed within a striking Roger Stirk Harbour + Partners (RSHP) designed multi-level building.
Employing an innovative exoskeleton steel frame, forming a vierendeel structure around the perimeter of each block, eliminates the need for a central reinforced concrete core, with both buildings linked via a translucent glass connecting core.
This houses panoramic lifts, glazed walkways and a feature steel staircase providing access for apartment residents to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel’s comprehensive range of exclusive facilities, that will include a spa, swimming pool, gym, restaurant and retail concessions.
The eye-catching façade of the two towers incorporates a range of high-quality architectural materials, including hand-made Venetian tiles and extensive curtain walling.
Steven McGee, managing director of ISG’s Construction South business, commented: “Our first project for Clivedale London represents one of the most eagerly awaited developments in Mayfair, bringing internationally renowned architecture and the peerless luxury of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel brand to Hanover Square.
“The residential element of the scheme means owners of the linked apartments will reside in London’s newest iconic building, on the doorstep of one of London’s most vibrant communities, with outstanding access to 5-star hotel facilities.”
Thomas Juul-Hansen’s interiors have been crafted to complement the architectural identity of the building, such as the natural light that floods in from the floor-to-ceiling windows and the Juliet balconies. The fittings are bespoke, designed to maximise the potential of the apartments.
Working in partnership with long-standing suppliers East Anglian Galvanizing Ltd, part of Wedge Group Galvanizing Ltd, every single column — the largest of which measures circa 6.2 x 1.5m — has been hot dip galvanized with molten zinc to provide the steel with long-term protection.
Each piece has then been wet sprayed with the finishing coat and filled with concrete at Barretts of Aspley’s state-of-the-art facility in Bedford.
Oliver King, Head of Commercial at Barretts of Aspley, explained: “We’ve been working on this development for 24 months (as of January 2021) and we’re nearing the final stages of the project, with the completion date set for later on this year. So far, we’ve manufactured all 686 columns and installed all but 16.
“In total, together with the trusted team at East Anglian Galvanizing, we’ve manufactured and hot dip galvanized 1,000 tonnes of structural steel, so to see it all starting to take shape is hugely rewarding for all involved.”
The Residence at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London:
- Anticipated completion date | 2021
- 190,000ft2 of residential and hotel space
- 4,5000ft2 of retail space
- Suites, and one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments
- Two rooftop penthouses
- Architect | Roger Stirk Harbour + Partners
- Interior Designer | Thomas Juul-Hansen.
With 190,000ft2 of residential and hotel space, plus 4,500ft2 retail space and two rooftop penthouses with amenities such as a restaurant and bar, spa, indoor pool and state-of-the-art gym and bar, the space is set to become an iconic landmark with prime location in the city.
Selwyn Parrish, Sales and Commercial Manager at East Anglian Galvanizing Ltd, said: “This is a truly remarkable development in the heart of our capital, and we’re extremely proud to be working alongside the team at Barretts of Aspley on this project.
“Hot dip galvanizing the steelwork used on the façade of the building will prevent the steel from corroding and will ensure the building’s exterior looks as new as it does today for many, many years to come.”
