During the Rituals fit-out at 297 Oxford Street, concrete casing was removed from parts of the existing structure. The design team then chose to retain the newly exposed steel as a visible feature, creating a more industrial, contemporary finish.
The accepted project information identified a 90-minute fire-resistance requirement for the relevant beams and columns.
The decision to expose the steel was made after the wider fit-out had begun. Other trades, regular deliveries and materials stored around the site restricted access and meant the work area could not remain clear.
Our team therefore worked across seven night shifts, carefully moving and protecting nearby items before preparing and coating the steel.
Our scope covered 11 beams and four columns. The steel was dry-ice cleaned, mechanically prepared to remove local corrosion, primed with Manor QD Phosphate HB420, coated with Thermoguard Thermocoat S and finished with Thermoguard Flame Retardant Topcoat in RAL 9005 eggshell.
Dry ice cleaning was used to remove surface contamination and residue from the newly exposed steel. Mechanical preparation then addressed local corrosion and unsound material.
Manor QD Phosphate HB420 primer, Thermoguard Thermocoat S and the RAL 9005 eggshell topcoat were subsequently applied by airless spray in the recorded project sequence.
Ambient conditions were recorded at 30-minute intervals during application. The team also segregated and protected the work area so that daytime fit-out activity could continue between shifts.
Over seven nights, FireCoatings transformed previously concealed, partly corroded steelwork into a finished exposed feature while working around an active retail fit-out.
The RAL 9005 eggshell topcoat gave the beams and columns the dark architectural finish required for the completed interior.
The project photographs show the steel after exposure, during preparation and coating, and after application of the black decorative finish.
If a design change leaves structural steel visible, send us the available drawings, fire strategy or coating specification. We can review the information and advise on the preparation, coating build-up and on-site application requirements.
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