City of Westminster Hotel

Structural Defect Investigation & Remedial Strategy

This project involved the preparation of a detailed structural engineering report for a hotel building in the City of Westminster, where significant water ingress had resulted in structural deterioration and localised timber decay.

Simple-Build was appointed to carry out a comprehensive structural investigation, diagnose the extent of damage, and develop a technically robust remedial strategy — all while the hotel remained fully operational in a constrained central London environment.

Project Overview

The property formed part of a traditional terraced building typical of central London, operating as an active hotel. Reports of persistent water ingress and internal deterioration required urgent structural assessment to determine whether the damage had compromised load-bearing elements.

Visible symptoms included:

• Rotting structural timbers

• Degradation of floor joists and wall plates

• Localised collapse of finishes

• Damp penetration through the external envelope

The investigation required careful opening-up works to expose concealed structural elements without causing unnecessary disruption to the building’s operations.

Structural Investigation Scope

Simple-Build undertook:

• On-site structural inspection and opening-up investigations

• Assessment of timber decay and extent of rot within floor and wall structures

• Identification of moisture ingress pathways

• Structural integrity assessment of load-bearing elements

• Preparation of a detailed structural defect report

• Specification of remedial structural works

Particular attention was given to determining whether the decay had reduced the effective section capacity of primary structural members, and whether progressive deterioration posed a risk to occupant safety.

Site & Operational Challenges

Delivering this investigation within a live hotel environment in central London introduced several constraints:

• Limited working hours to minimise disturbance to guests

• Restricted access within occupied rooms

• Tight urban access and logistical constraints

• Need for controlled and targeted opening-up works

• Careful coordination was required to ensure inspections were thorough while maintaining operational continuity.

Engineering Findings & Remedial Strategy

The structural assessment confirmed that prolonged water ingress had led to:

• Localised timber rot within floor joists and stud walls

• Deterioration of structural bearing ends

• Moisture-related degradation affecting internal finishes

A structured remedial scheme was developed, including:

• Removal and replacement of compromised timber members

• Introduction of treated structural timbers

• Improved damp-proofing and moisture control measures

• Localised strengthening where required to restore structural integrity

The specification ensured that all repairs met Building Regulations requirements and restored the building’s structural performance to a safe and compliant standard.

Outcome

Structural defects clearly identified and documented

Remedial strategy successfully implemented

Structural integrity restored

Hotel operations maintained throughout the process

This project demonstrates Simple-Build’s capability in structural diagnostics, defect investigation, and remedial design within complex, live commercial environments — particularly within sensitive central London properties where technical accuracy and practical coordination are equally critical.