National Portrait Gallery, London – Phase 1

Sympathetic Strip Out 

Client: National Portrait Gallery
Project: National Portrait Gallery – Phase 1

Brief Description:

Working as a Principal Contractor for National Portrait Gallery and cost consultancy firm, Turner and Townsend, KpH undertook this 6 week Strip Out and Enabling project at the National Portrait Gallery in London.  The National Portrait Gallery is a Grade I listed building and at the time of our works was closed to the public whilst it undergoes extensive refurbishment.

KpH took all appropriate steps to comply with the relevant Grade I listed regulations and made sure that the remaining listed features and structure was preserved and protected. We undertook a non-intrusive strip out by removing the modern finishes back to reveal the historic details, ensuring zero damage. Continuous vibration tests were completed to ensure the artwork displayed in the neighbouring National Gallery was not disturbed or damaged. Although the National Portrait Gallery is closed to the public the National Gallery had recently reopened, so it was key to keep noise and vibrations to a minimum.

KpH put forward a very methodical and careful approach to the strip out, ensuring all elements were removed in a controlled manner therefore mitigating any potential damage to retained areas. We had regular communications and visits with architects, design teams, security, mechanical and service teams, as well as developing a close relationship with the National Gallery to monitor how works impacted the gallery.

Scope of Works

Works comprised the strip out and removal of the following:

  • removal of partitions;
  • floor finishes and raised floor;
  • removal of ceilings;
  • grid and small power;
  • lighting and mechanical services;
  • AHU;
  • wall linings;
  • tea point;
  • excavations in basement to facilitate ongoing design for the main refurbishment works.

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