White Cube

This project is for a new art gallery constructed in Masons Yard, off Duke Street, St James’s, London SW1.

The project involved the demolition of an existing electricity generating station, the installation of a continuous piled basement wall to provide a larger and deeper basement and the section of steel framed upper building to provide more gallery space and offices.

Masons Yard is an old coaching inn courtyard and the only vehicle access is through a 3m square opening through existing listed buildings. It was also not possible to use a crane due to difficulties with air rights. The site therefore presented us with severe access and logistical problems.

The project was procured under the NEC form by negotiation, as it was felt by the client, the project manager and the rest of the project team that partnering was the best way to bring such an intricate construction project to fruition. We continued to work with all the project team to keep the build on track for its programmed completion at the end of August. The work was successfully completed on time, and was subsequently opened at a press reception.