Project Details

Axis delivered an extensive historic residential building upgrade at Thames Tunnel Mills, a Grade II listed mid 19^th century former mill building and warehouse on the River Thames: one of the earliest residential conversions in Docklands.

Our client’s objective was to upgrade the energy efficiency of Thames Tunnel Mills, one of the older buildings within L&Q’s portfolio, whilst preserving its historic elements.

Following retrofit assessments, our team delivered roof renewals with insulation, renovated all the doors and windows (including the porthole Crittall windows) through timber repairs, and overhauled the existing ventilation system.

Internally, we provided decorations to the communal rooms and conducted remedial damp works, while our external works included decorations, timber repairs to the jetty, and repointing and brick and masonry repairs including to the furnace tower. We also renewed the glass atrium and renovated the roof-top garden.

The result is a Grade II listed building that meets our client’s specifications providing convenient modern accommodation that pleases the residents:

Testimonials

“Axis has brought Thames Tunnel Mills into the 21st century. These new windows are more modern, yet in keeping with the building’s old design. Previously, the windows were decaying a bit, they didn’t close properly. Axis came along, and noise has never been better in the apartment; the temperature never been better” – Resident

“The work Axis carried out in our building resulted in having a much secure, much brighter, and much cleaner place to live” – Resident

Specialist works

Because Thames Tunnel Mills is built on the banks of the river Thames, we designed and built unique scaffolding using standards which float from the building rather being built within the water.

We liaised with the Port of London Authority, building the scaffolding at low tide, installing gallows brackets as we built upwards, and then removing and disposing of the lower tower.

We also installed lifesaving equipment as part of our licensing agreement with the Port of London Authority.

We built a scaffold platform over the Thames so the team could abseil down to the crane and begin works.

We also had to hang the front elevation scaffold from gallows brackets: the front path is very narrow and emergency access vehicles need access 24 /7.

Benefits

• Heritage-appropriate modernisation
• Noise reduction
• Enhanced energy efficiency
• Practical modern living
• Continued use of iconic building
• Enhanced aesthetic appeal
• Increased resident satisfaction
• Futureproofing
• Reduced running costs

Client relationship

Axis has partnered with L&Q for many years, securing in 2023 Lot A3 – South – South & South East in their £3bn 15-year Major Works Investment Programme. Previous large scale projects for L&Q include:

• Retrofit solar panel project to three apartment blocks at Reculver Road in south east London
• External works and roof repairs to 20 Victorian apartment blocks at Elmhurst Mansions in south west London
• Cyclical refurbishment and roof works to 47 Victorian terraced blocks containing 147 apartments at Morat Street in south west London
• Fire Safety upgrade to three tower blocks in Lewisham Park, south east London