Silchester Estate Refurbishment
Notting Dale
Refurbishment of four residential tower blocks to address building fire safety and cladding remediation undertaken with residents in situ.
Location: Notting Dale
Client: Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea / Equans
Project Value: £40,000,000
Status: On Site
Specialisation: Tower refurbishment; fire safety and cladding remediation
The Silchester Estate Refurbishment is a fire safety and cladding remediation project which is transforming the estate’s four 20-storey residential towers. Externally, the works are focused upon the tower cladding remediation works (i.e. the stabilisation of the tower façade brickwork) and fire safety upgrades (i.e. the aging balcony guardrails are being replaced with modern, compliant designs). The roof membranes are also being upgraded to improve durability and weatherproofing and new main entrances are being installed at each tower’s base. The new fenestration features grey powder-coated aluminium tilt-and-turn windows and matching balcony doors. These replacements enhance home thermal performance and improve security whilst preserving the estate’s aesthetic with a modern update inline with the surrounding architecture.
Internally, significant upgrades improve each tower’s fire safety and infrastructure. Sprinkler systems are installed throughout the towers, alongside the replacement of fire-rated bin chute hoppers and the addition of fire-rated glass screens to stairwells. Modern mechanical and electrical systems, including new lifts and decentralised ventilation for kitchens and bathrooms, enhance efficiency and reliability. Kitchens and bathrooms within each flat are modernised; balcony finishes and soil vent pipes are upgraded; and the concierge offices are updated to provide a modern, functional workspace.
The refurbishment is guided by collaboration and community engagement. Key design decisions, such as the choice of grey window exteriors, are made following consultation with residents and agreement with planning officers. This approach ensures that residents’ voices remain central to the process, fostering a sense of ownership and satisfaction with the project outcomes. As a high-profile development in the borough, the Silchester Estate refurbishment highlights the importance of balancing fire safety, sustainability, and architectural integrity. The completed works will provide a safer, more comfortable, and modern living environment for residents while maintaining the estate’s unique character within the community.
Team
- Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea – Client
- Equans – Main Contractor
- ECD Architects – Architect / Design Team Lead
- WTP – Contract Manager
- Introba – M&E
- Wilde – Structures
- Kiwa – Fire Engineers