Client
City of London
Value
£550k
Sectors & Services
Buildings Repairs & Refurbishment Heritage & Listed Concrete Repair Condition Surveys Coatings Cleaning & Preparation Projects
Cullum Welch House is a Grade II listed residential building comprising 72 single level studio flats, located within the Golden Lane Estate in the City of London, adjacent to the Barbican Estate. Constructed between 1958 and 1961, the building forms part of a post-war architectural ensemble recognised for its vision of a self-sufficient urban village.
A condition survey undertaken in 2012 identified significant deterioration to externally exposed reinforced concrete elements caused by reinforcement corrosion. Given the building’s architectural importance, occupied status, and prominent urban location, carefully planned specialist concrete repairs were required to preserve both its structural integrity and historic character.
Services undertaken
- Condition survey and intrusive investigations
- Production of design drawings and technical documentation
- Tenant liaison and access management
- Design and installation of access works
- Concrete remedial and repair works
- Repairs to planters, precast elements, beams, and slab edges
- Application of concrete protective coatings
- Removal of existing concrete balustrades
- Manufacture and installation of new concrete balustrades
- Associated brickwork removal and reinstatement
CRL was appointed in June 2019 following approval by the City of London’s Projects Sub-Committee to deliver a comprehensive programme of concrete repairs and balustrade replacement. The scope of works was divided into two principal elements. The first involved concrete repairs and replacements of existing structural and architectural components, including damaged concrete planters and precast elements on the south façade, the staircase on the north elevation, and all exposed beams and slab edges. These elements were subject to deterioration from long-term exposure, requiring targeted intervention to address corrosion-related damage.
The second element comprised the removal and replacement of the original concrete balustrades. Existing balustrade sections were carefully dismantled, along with associated brickwork where required, to facilitate safe removal. New concrete balustrades were manufactured and installed, with brickwork reinstated to achieve a sympathetic finish aligned with the estate's original design intent.
The project demanded a high level of planning and coordination due to the building remaining fully occupied throughout the works. CRL managed existing tenants, ensuring safe and appropriate access to flats at all times and minimising disruption. Intrusive and destructive surveys were undertaken to inform the detailed design, satisfy Listed Building Consent requirements, and develop robust construction proposals. CRL produced all necessary drawings and documentation to support design approval, construction, and future maintenance. Purpose-designed access systems were installed to facilitate safe working at height, followed by concrete repairs and protective coatings to enhance durability and long-term performance.
"Working on this project was really a pleasure; the tennants were helpful and accomodating, bearing in mind the disruption we caused, and the client was one of the best we have worked for."
Patrick Smyth | Senior Site Agent | CRL
Beyond addressing immediate defects, the works at Cullum Welch House delivered long-term value through a considered asset management approach. CRL’s expertise in structural repairs in the UK mitigated corrosion risks, improving durability and reducing future maintenance demands.
Careful planning and stakeholder coordination enabled essential concrete repairs to be completed while maintaining continuous building occupancy. The replacement balustrades and protective coatings enhanced resilience and extended the service life of key elements, safeguarding the building’s architectural significance.
Through professional delivery, technical competence, and close collaboration with the City of London, CRL successfully preserved an important modernist asset while ensuring it remains fit for purpose for decades to come.
