Client
Brunel University
Value
£230k
Sectors & Services
Buildings Repairs & Refurbishment Heritage & Listed Concrete Repair Coatings Cleaning & Preparation
The Central Lecture Building at Brunel University London is a prominent Grade II listed concrete structure forming a key part of the university’s academic estate. Constructed during the campus’s original development, the building is architecturally significant and heavily used by students and staff.
CRL had previously undertaken repair and rehabilitation works across several Brunel buildings, leading to their appointment in February 2014 to deliver this critical refurbishment.
The project was driven by identified concrete deterioration, including spalling and carbonation-related defects, which required timely intervention to preserve the structure’s integrity, comply with heritage requirements, and ensure the building remained safe and serviceable during continued occupation.
Services undertaken
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Access scaffolding installation
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Trial repairs and Conservation Officer approval
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Concrete cleaning using steam and high-pressure water jetting
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Identification and breakout of defective concrete
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Concrete reinstatement in accordance with BS EN 1504
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Application of clear anti-carbonation coating
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Visual surveys and defect mapping
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Working within live, fully occupied buildings
Prior to the main works, CRL carried out trial repairs which were reviewed and approved by the local Conservation Officer from English Heritage, ensuring all methods were fully aligned with the building’s listed status. Once approval was granted, access scaffolding was erected to facilitate safe and controlled working across the structure. Defective concrete areas identified in the earlier 2009 CRL Surveys report were carefully marked, alongside a further visual inspection to capture any newly developed spalling.
All exposed concrete surfaces were thoroughly cleaned using a combination of steam cleaning and high-pressure water jetting to remove contaminants and prepare the substrate. Deteriorated concrete was then broken out and reinstated in accordance with BS EN 1504, ensuring structural compatibility and long-term performance. Following repairs, a clear anti-carbonation coating was applied to all exposed concrete surfaces, providing protection while preserving the building’s original appearance.
The works were delivered within a challenging eight-week programme to align with the summer period and minimise disruption. Despite the university remaining fully operational, CRL maintained strict health and safety controls, working in close proximity to students and visitors without incident.
“We have worked with CRL for a number of years during which time they have always provided an excellent and professional service. We would not hesitate to recommend them.”
Stuart Bonney | Senior Projects Officer | Brunel University London
Beyond addressing visible defects, the refurbishment delivered long-term asset protection and resilience for this iconic university building. The application of a clear anti-carbonation coating significantly reduces future deterioration, helping to extend service life and lower ongoing maintenance demands.
CRL’s careful planning, heritage-sensitive methods, and collaborative engagement with the Conservation Officer ensured compliance without compromising durability. Delivering complex concrete repairs within a live university environment demonstrated CRL’s professionalism, safe working practices, and asset management expertise. The result is a protected structure, improved durability, and continued operational continuity for Brunel University.
