Case Study: London Zoo
PROJECT: Demolition of London Zoo's Parrot House.
BACKGROUND: The Refreshment Rooms at London Zoo were designed by architect Anthony Salvin and built in three phases between 1868 and 1878. In 1929 the building was converted into the Parrot House for the display of parrots and diving birds. The structure's demolition will enable the development of a new penguin pool and accommodation building.
LOCATION: Regent's Park, London.
CLIENT: Newlands Construction Ltd.
Requirements
- Controlled demolition of Nineteenth Century two storey building.
- Excavation of building's basement.
- Arisings to be reused or recycled.
- Minimal disruption to nearby animal enclosures, visitors and adjacent construction works.
- Limited time frame for completion of project.
- Expeditious site clearance to enable the building of a new penguin enclosure.
- Site to remain secure at all times.
Solutions:
- Deployment of Downwell Demolition's experienced project management team and CPCS qualified labour force.
- Site enclosed with Heras fencing and debris sheeting and secured by manned access point.
- A fleet of modern machinery deployed to demolish the structure in a safe and controlled manner with minimal noise.
- Concrete and wood waste separated on-site.
- Concrete crushed in-situ using mobile jaw crusher with arisings stockpiled.
- Wood removed from site to be recycled.
- Labour force used to isolate, assess, clean and stockpile suitable bricks for reuse.
- Small section of structure isolated and retained on request of client.
- Water-based dust suppression equipment used during demolition and concrete crushing.
Key Benefits:
Environmental
- Negligible disruption to adjacent zoo enclosures and nearby construction works.
- Minimal dust and noise.
- Concrete arisings reused on site.
- Remaining debris sorted on site and removed for recycling.
Financial
- Project completed on budget.
- Specialist equipment owned and operated by Downwell Demolition ensuring fixed costs and qualified, experienced operators.
- Day to day operation of London Zoo unaffected by operation.
- Pedestrian access to nearby enclosures and exhibits unimpeded by demolition works.
Time
- Extensive fleet of equipment deployed en masse to ensure expeditious demolition.
- Completed within time frame allocated.
