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This project involved the application of intumescent fire protection to newly exposed structural steel within a live retail refurbishment at 297 Oxford Street. The works formed part of a late-stage design change, where the structural steel was left exposed to suit the architectural intent.
Due to the live retail environment and tight programme constraints, all works were carried out during night shifts to avoid disruption to daytime operations and adjacent trades.
Prior to coating, all steelwork was prepared using dry ice blasting and mechanical abrasion to remove existing coatings, surface contaminants, and corrosion. This method was selected to achieve the required surface cleanliness while minimising dust, vibration, and disruption within the occupied building.
Surface preparation was completed to the manufacturer’s required standard to ensure full compatibility with the specified fire protection system.
Following preparation, the steel was primed and then coated with Thermoguard Thermocoat WI to achieve the specified 90-minute fire resistance rating. Application was carried out by airless spray, with careful control of film thickness to meet manufacturer requirements.
A flame-retardant decorative topcoat was then applied to provide a durable, uniform finish in keeping with the design intent of the space.
All works were undertaken during night shifts, with strict segregation and protection measures in place to maintain site safety and allow daytime trades to continue uninterrupted. Full quality control checks, including wet and dry film thickness readings, were completed throughout the programme.
The result is a compliant, high-quality fire protection system that integrates seamlessly into the finished architectural environment.
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