Specialist Timber Repair at The Lalit Hotel, Tower Bridge, London
Client: S&T UK Ltd
Products Used: Rotafix
Situated just moments from Tower Bridge, The LaLit London occupies a remarkable 180-year-old building that was once home to St. Olave’s Grammar School. During its transformation into a luxury boutique hotel, a number of original timber roof trusses—particularly those in the grand dining hall—were found to have suffered extensive decay at their bearing ends. With structural integrity in question, sensitive yet effective restoration was required.
Advanced Preservations was appointed by S&T UK Ltd to deliver a specialist timber repair package that would preserve the building’s architectural features while restoring full structural function. The works formed part of the wider renovation of this Grade II listed site.
Understanding the Repair Requirements of a Hammer-beam Roof Truss System
The timber elements in question were part of the hammer-beam roof truss system, a key architectural feature and structural component within the building’s great hall. Given the age and listed status of the structure, retaining as much of the original material as possible was a priority—both for planning compliance and to maintain the hall’s striking historic character.
The repair approach needed to offer a non-invasive, visually discreet solution that could be completed within a confined and active site environment, all while ensuring long-term load-bearing capacity and performance.
Delivering a Structural Timber Repair Solution
Working closely with the project engineers and a dedicated timber consultant, Advanced Preservations developed a repair scheme centred on Rotafix resin systems. These specialist timber repair products allowed us to reconstruct the decayed bearing ends of the beams, reinforcing them with resin splice techniques to restore structural continuity.
The repair method was specifically chosen to:
- Retain the visible features of the original hammer beams
- Minimise disruption to the surrounding fabric and finishes
- Deliver permanent strength and stability in line with engineering requirements
Our team worked with precision and care in a tight access environment, coordinating with other trades and respecting the architectural integrity of the space throughout. All work was completed in line with heritage best practice and structural recommendations.
The Outcome: Strength Restored, Character Retained
The completed repairs ensured that the original hammer-beam trusses were safely reinstated as load-bearing elements, supporting the great hall’s roof without compromising on appearance or authenticity.
This work formed a crucial part of the transformation of the building into The LaLit London—one of the city’s most distinctive boutique hotels—allowing guests to experience the grandeur of the original space with the assurance of modern structural performance.
Why Choose Advanced Preservations for Heritage Timber Repairs?
We are specialists in the repair and reinforcement of historic timber structures, offering solutions that combine engineering precision with a deep understanding of heritage construction. Whether it’s listed public buildings, historic schools or prestigious private developments, our timber repair work respects the past while delivering dependable results for the future.
We are experienced in working under tight programmes and within challenging environments, and we take pride in delivering results that meet the highest structural and aesthetic standards.
Talk to Us About Specialist Timber Repairs
From resin-reinforced repairs to full structural timber restoration, we provide heritage-sensitive solutions backed by decades of hands-on experience.
Call 01252 333 310 or enquire online to speak to our technical team about your upcoming project.
