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This project involved the upgrade of exposed structural steel within a live office refurbishment at Devonshire House, Piccadilly. The works formed part of a late-stage design change, where the decision was made to leave the steel structure exposed as a design feature.
Due to programme constraints, the works were carefully planned and completed out of hours to avoid disruption to other trades and ongoing fit-out operations.
Surface preparation was carried out using mechanical abrasion to remove loose and unsound coatings, along with any residual mill scale. This approach allowed effective preparation without the need for full abrasive blasting, which was not suitable for the live environment.
Following preparation, all steelwork was primed using a zinc phosphate primer to provide corrosion protection and ensure compatibility with the fire protection system.
A 120-minute fire resistance was achieved using Thermoguard Thermocoat WI, applied by airless spray in accordance with the manufacturer’s specification. Application was carefully controlled to achieve the required film build across all sections of the steelwork.
A decorative flame-retardant topcoat was then applied to achieve the specified black finish, providing both durability and a clean architectural appearance.
Works were completed during evening and night shifts to minimise disruption to other trades on site. Temporary barriers were installed after each shift to protect the finished steelwork and maintain site safety.
The result is a compliant, high-quality fire protection system that meets regulatory requirements while complementing the architectural intent of the space.
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