Hammersmith Town Hall

The Challenge: Reimagining a Heritage Site with Modern Balcony Solutions

The redevelopment of Hammersmith Town Hall on West King Street posed unique challenges. This Grade II-listed site was transformed into a mixed-use urban quarter, blending heritage preservation with modern functionality. Designed by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, the project created a vibrant new civic campus featuring shops, restaurants, affordable housing, and enhanced public spaces. Key to this transformation was the construction of residential balconies that needed to meet aesthetic, safety, and structural requirements.

However, the layout of the balconies initially posed significant design challenges for the main contractor, Ardmore, and their installer, ABM Tiling. Traditional pedestal systems proved unsuitable for the complex design, but working with the design teams, Ryno assisted in specifying the optimal balcony solution – BalcaSmart Rail System. Additionally, with wind uplift challenges on the balconies, the porcelain tiles needed to be restrained to ensure the long-term safety of those that occupy the redevelopment.

The Solution: RYNO’s BalcaSmart® Rail Paving System with Visual Wind Uplift Fixing

RYNO stepped in to resolve these challenges, proposing the innovative BalcaSmart® Rail Paving System with Visual Wind Uplift Fixing. This solution offered the flexibility and support needed for the porcelain tiles while addressing the unique requirements of the balconies. After an on-site visit and thorough consultation, RYNO’s team collaborated closely with Ardmore and ABM Tiling to ensure the system’s success.

Key Features of the BalcaSmart® Rail Paving System:

• • Structural Integrity: The smart and versatile way to achieve paved balconies. Paving rail sits perpendicular to balcony joist, providing totally stable support for paving tiles.
  • Visual Wind Uplift Fixing: The system is supplied with discreet flange-headed screws and washers to secure the tiles to the rail system. Tightening the screws clamps the paving to the rails and provides a successful countermeasure against the effects of wind uplift.
  • Flexibility and Precision: Allows many different layout formats including random length, mixed width, stack bond, stretcher bond, and plank paving. Paving spacers also allow rapid water drainage through paving.

Collaborative Problem-Solving: A Team Effort

RYNO’s hands-on approach proved critical to the project’s success. By working closely with ABM Tiling and Ardmore, RYNO provided ongoing support and expertise throughout the installation process. This collaboration ensured:

• • Optimised Material Use: RYNO’s solution made effective use of the surplus porcelain tiles, avoiding additional costs and reducing waste.
  • Tailored Adjustments: The system was customized to address the unique layout and structural challenges of the balconies.
  • Efficient Installation: On-site guidance and best practices from RYNO facilitated a smooth and timely installation process.

Real Results: A Seamless Blend of Heritage and Modern Living

The refurbished Hammersmith Town Hall now stands as a testament to thoughtful design and expert execution. The balconies, featuring the BalcaSmart® Rail Paving System, perfectly complement the site’s blend of historical and contemporary elements. 

“We installed RYNO's specialised pedestal and rail systems not only for levelling and drainage but also for their proven effectiveness in counteracting these uplift forces.” – ABM Tiling

With RYNO’s innovative solutions and collaborative spirit, Hammersmith Town Hall’s redevelopment has delivered a vibrant, inclusive space for the community while preserving its architectural legacy.