Battersea Power Station – London project at the heart of redevelopment

16th July 2021

Some people may remember the album by Pink Floyd entitled “Animals” which featured a large inflatable pig floating above the majestic Battersea Power Station. Since 1983 the building has been derelict. Renowned for its four chimneys and art deco design, the iconic Grade II* listed building is undergoing a huge transformation that will see it restored as a mixed-use development.

This complex project, that will open the building and riverside to the public for the first time, will see Battersea Power Station retain its unique historical features as it is given a new 21st century purpose by MACE.

As the cornerstone of the entire regeneration project, the Power Station will include approximately 100 new retail, food and beverage units, as well as a 2,000 capacity events venue and unique chimney lift experience. The building will also provide c.500,000 sq ft of new office space, the new home to Apple in the UK and include 253 new homes.

Our client, Ruddy Joinery, is a world-class bespoke joinery manufacturer and multi-trade fit-out specialist undertaking multi-million pound contracts for high-end projects within the commercial, prime residential, residential & leisure sectors.

Self Architects was appointed by Ruddy Joinery in 2019 as part of the £multi-billion refurbishment of the interior of Battersea Power Station. The contract was secured for the supply and installation of Washrooms to the project and the work comprised complete detail design drawings for all these elements within the public areas, which meant a total of 148 separate spaces, over 9 levels!

The project was challenging in several ways:

The requirements were stringent as all areas had to be vandal resistant and provide secure toilet facilities for general public use for all, including accessible rooms. All fittings and services are concealed or fixed into a robust frame system originally developed by Ruddy. All system components have a minimum life expectancy of 30 years.

Finding a solution for all service routes within the building that did not compromise any of the other installations being completed was a major challenge. We chose to co-ordinate all elements of the installation including 3D services inputs through a single combined ‘federal’ BIM model which our BIM Manager provided as part of the package of deliverables. Working closely with Services Engineers FHP we were able to ensure the full coordination of all elements utilising a 3D model in Revit.

As one would expect, all the work had to be completed in accordance with the statutory approvals received for the Grade II listed building.