Façade System

Canary Wharf, London

2019 - ongoing

Role

On-site Quality Assurance

WilkinsonEyre

Citigroup Ltd.

Intro

Façade refurbishment for Citi's London headquarters targeting three architectural zones across 10 storeys of the 45-storey tower. The client required selective upgrade creating distinctive vertical villages: Citi Plaza, The High Street, and The Beacon, while retaining 90% of existing curtain wall.

Process

My role involved shadowing and assisting on-site quality assurance during the construction phase and monitoring the installation progress of the façade contractor. Conducted regular site inspections focusing on the unitised curtain wall assembly, weatherproofing details and critical interfaces between new and existing elements.

Technical drawing of facade system showing old and new facade interface
Technical drawing of facade system showing old and new facade interface

Goal

To verify façade installation meets design specifications and building regulations. Ensure proper integration of new unitised panels with retained envelope sections. Monitor compliance with fire safety compartmentalisation requirements, particularly intumescent seals and cavity barriers at interface zones.

Photo of facade system showing old and new facade interface
Photo of facade system showing old and new facade interface
Render of facade system showing old and new facade interface
Render of facade system showing old and new facade interface

Result

Completed QA oversight for £25m facade package installation. New elements successfully integrated with existing curtain wall system. Project achieved 100,000 tonnes embodied carbon savings through selective retrofit approach, demonstrating effective quality control processes for complex high-rise facade interventions.

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