The buildings that can’t afford to get it wrong

Several floors of The Gherkin were stripped back to the building's structure and rebuilt as open-plan office space for a new tenant. The strip-out exposed structural steelwork and opened voids around the perimeter of every floor. Both needed tested fire-protection solutions.

Skyline was brought in early. Working closely with the principal fire engineer, we identified appropriate tested systems, installed a Rockwool beam-cladding system to protect the exposed steelwork, closed the perimeter floor voids and fitted fire curtains where required.

It was a fast-moving project. Technical challenges surfaced as the works progressed, and we resolved them without holding up the programme. The package came in on time and within budget, and the relationship built with the principal contractor has carried through to subsequent projects.

Olympic Park was one of the largest projects a long-standing Skyline client had undertaken at the time. We were appointed to deliver the firestopping package across the development.

Earlier delays to the groundworks had squeezed the construction programme, so the later trades worked to a significantly accelerated timetable. Our systems and site team kept installation moving at pace. Coordination mattered most: service penetrations had to be made available and firestopped at the right stage, without clashes or delays between trades.

This project proved that effective compartmentation is a collaborative effort across the whole construction team, not the firestopping contractor working alone. We still work at the development today. As new services and technologies enter the building, we maintain and alter the firestopping to match.

Grosvenor Square House was a different kind of project for Skyline: the conversion and refurbishment of an existing building into a high-end residential property. Work at this level demands more than a high standard of installation. It calls for professionalism, attention to detail and the ability to work alongside a wider team delivering a premium finish.

The age and existing construction of the building meant standard firestopping details were not always available. Skyline worked with the design team, architects, principal contractor and manufacturers to identify tested details and solutions for these areas.

The works were delivered on programme and within budget. Skyline had already completed several smaller projects for this client. After Grosvenor Square House, we became their preferred firestopping contractor.

Aviator Park was one of a series of commercial-to-residential conversions delivered for a repeat Skyline client. Beyond the general firestopping and compartmentation package, the existing construction threw up some technically challenging interfaces, particularly where glazing, structural steelwork and different construction details met.

Skyline worked with the client and the relevant manufacturers to establish suitable solutions for these more complicated areas, and delivered the works on programme and within budget.

The biggest benefit came later. By the time we moved onto the subsequent buildings in the programme, we had already dealt with most of these interfaces, so potential issues were raised with the project team before they became problems on site. Early engagement let details and sequencing be agreed in advance, reducing remedial works, delays and extra cost.

Royal Heights shows what happens when Skyline joins a project that is not going to plan. We tendered for the works originally but were not appointed. Part-way through the job, difficulties arose with the firestopping package, and the contractor parted ways with the original specialist.

Skyline was approached to take over the remaining works. The handover point was relatively clean, and the project was early enough for us to take responsibility for most of the remaining package. We mobilised quickly, agreed expectations with the wider project team and picked up where the previous contractor left off.

From there, the remaining firestopping was delivered without further disruption or unexpected commercial issues. The project completed successfully. It led to further work for the client, and Skyline ultimately became their preferred firestopping contractor.