The works involved the restoration of the front facade and the demolition of the back structure including a former bakery and courtyard improvement works.

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As a result of the demolition, an 8m high freestanding masonry wall was permanently secured with a steel structure. In order to transfer the horizontal wind forces, the new balcony system was designed as a frame. At the opposite end of the courtyard, a 3 hinged frame provides stiffening in front of the newly constructed rear building.

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The top soil layer (1.5m depth) has a very poor bearing capacity (alluvial deposits). As underpinning was deemed too difficult with neighbouring masonry structures and limited available space, instead a local soil improvement procedure with compaction grouting was carried out successfully and cost-effectively.

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To anchor the balconies to the existing structure, pull-out tests with significant loads were carried out in consultation with the anchor manufacturer and the proof engineer.

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