Project Gallery

30-33 Sloane Street building wrap

THE DEVELOPMENT

The iconic site at 30-33 Sloane Street and 49 Pavilion Road in Knightsbridge, London, stands as a testament to early 20th-century architecture, having been constructed in 1924. This project replaces a historical row of 18th-century homes in a Neo-Georgian masterpiece designed by Robert Angell and Curtis and a gym.

The current refurbishment aims to breathe new life into the existing structure while adhering to the stylistic integrity of the area. The redevelopment vision includes creating high-quality retail and office spaces, complemented by the addition of a top-floor restaurant, all achieved through careful reconfiguration and an enhanced roof structure that aligns with the neighbouring Marland House. The architectural design is meticulously crafted to preserve the character of Sloane Street while revitalizing its historic charm, reflecting a commitment to preservation alongside modern functionality.

THE BRIEF

With the ambitious redevelopment plan set, the main contractor, JF Hunt, faced the challenge of installing a giant façade retention system to remain in position throughout the two-year construction process. The client, Cadogan Estate, mandated a visually enchanting solution that would not only serve a functional purpose but also maintain the aesthetic appeal of the building and its surroundings. Thus, the brief emphasized a giant trompe l’oeil printed wrap mounted on a bespoke offset frame, designed to envelop the scaffolding and provide a continuous façade illusion. This wrap would become essential not only for safety and adherence to regulations but also for minimizing disruption to the neighbouring businesses and enhancing the overall aesthetics of Knightsbridge during the construction phase.

THE SOLUTION

To fulfil the comprehensive needs of the project, we delivered two elevations meticulously dressed in large-format wraps: one along Sloane Street, measuring 535m², and the other along Hans Crescent, spanning 351m², for a total of 886m².

A seamless shadow gap detail at the bullnose corner provides the illusion of a unified, continuous wrap, enhancing the trompe l’oeil effect. Our advanced CGI software played a crucial role in the success of this project, enabling the transformation of architects’ drawings into vivid, lifelike representations that exceeded client expectations.

Our software incorporates a rich gallery of Portland Stone finishes, ensuring the printed wrap accurately captures the ambience of the surrounding area. To achieve the desired realism and depth, several critical factors were considered:

• Lighting scenarios: Our team analyzed the interplay of light and shadow throughout the day to create dynamic visuals.
• Natural and ambient light: These elements were essential to achieving an authentic representation consistent with the site’s atmosphere.
• Shadow fall-off: Understanding how shadows behave at various times ensured an immersive experience for viewers.
• Seasonal and diurnal changes: Simulations accounted for changing light conditions throughout the year, ensuring the wrap remains relevant year-round.
• Viewer’s perspective: The design considered multiple vantage points to enhance engagement and authenticity.

By leveraging our extensive experience and project management capabilities, we ensured that the entire process, from concept to installation, was delivered on time and within budget. Our in-house design team worked in close collaboration with stakeholders, ensuring that the printed wrap not only encapsulated the architectural intent of the project but also harmonized seamlessly with the environment and the historic integrity of the area.

As a leading provider of printed building wraps and graphics for scaffolding & façade retention systems, we pride ourselves on our innovative solutions that marry functionality with artistic flair, enabling us to set new standards in the industry. The successful installation at 30-33 Sloane Street is a prominent demonstration of how a well-executed façade wrap can enhance a construction project, providing visual impact in one cohesive solution.