Belgrove House is a 10-storey laboratory and office building in London’s Knowledge Quarter, opening in 2026, the 180,000 sq ft development will host around 850 researchers and staff. The project delivers wider community benefits, including an education centre, public auditorium, 1,000 construction jobs, and a new step-free entrance to King’s Cross station.
Sustainability is central to the design
With 95% of construction waste reused or recycled and over 60,000 salvaged bricks repurposed locally. Its biophilic double-skin façade enhances efficiency and reduces carbon emissions by 43%, while all-electric systems enable potential net-zero operation. Belgrove House has earned the World Architecture Festival Future Project Award and targets a BREEAM Outstanding rating.
The structure, measuring 10 metres long, 12 metres wide, and 7 metres high with a total weight of approximately 5.8 tonnes, was installed via tower crane and connected mid-air to an existing structure.
This operation demanded exceptional precision, coordination, and engineering control, as the lift took place over live traffic and required innovative connection techniques executed under rigorous safety protocols. Adaptability was key, between the first and second temporary roof lifts, the crane jib was shortened, requiring the team to adapt quickly through urgent design changes and a full review of the lift plan. Thanks to proactive coordination and technical expertise, the revised operation ran smoothly and safely. It stands as a testament to GKR’s engineering excellence, innovation, and uncompromising commitment to safety under challenging conditions.
The lift carried significant risk, as partial lifting occurred directly above Euston Road, requiring meticulous planning and coordination. Additionally, personnel working beneath suspended loads introduced further hazards that were addressed through comprehensive risk assessments and mitigation measures. The connection methodology itself was the first of its kind, requiring validation and simulation prior to execution.
To ensure the success of this unprecedented lift:
The operation was completed safely and successfully, setting a new benchmark in temporary works and demonstrating the power of advanced planning, innovation, and teamwork in complex urban environments.
This project not only represents a technical milestone for GKR Scaffolding but also signifies a major advancement in the evolution of Tube and Fitting temporary works within the industry.
