Courtauld Gallery

Scope of works

The Grade I listed Courtauld Gallery refurbishment project was the Courtauld Institute of Art’s biggest development programme since it relocated to Somerset House in 1989. It was designed to enable the school to improve teaching and research facilities and to enhance its gallery.

Kilnbridge carried out the demolition and reconstruction of the existing arches within the main vestibule area to provide an exposed concrete arch soffit. The team also carried out the controlled demolition of existing internal floors and vertical structures and undertook the construction of the permanent large box-frame openings within existing substructure walls.

The works included the formation of new service and access openings throughout the structure, installing padstones to facilitate follow-on of the steelwork contractor, and new concrete suspended slabs, metal decking, precast planks and vertical elements. Kilnbridge was responsible for all temporary works design, including protective vehicle access ramp, arch support falsework and jacking methodologies.

Challenges

• Delicate structural alterations to Grade I listed building

Achievements

• Re-construction of existing masonry vaults in exposed concrete below live roadway