Location
Kensington, London
Main Contractor
Laing O’Rourke
Installers
Noble House
Future Olympia is a landmark mixed-use redevelopment in West London, transforming the iconic Olympia site into a destination for hospitality, leisure, and culture.
Delivered by Laing O’Rourke, the scheme includes a mix of hotel terraces, private outdoor spaces, and high-footfall public areas such as restaurants and bars.
Following a successful collaboration at King’s Cross S4, we were brought in early to support the design and specification of terrace systems across the development, with a particular focus on wind uplift mitigation.
The Challenge
This wasn’t a one-size-fits-all terrace project. It was a layered, high-exposure environment with multiple competing demands:
- Multiple terrace types – from private and hotel spaces to public hospitality areas
- Varying exposure levels depending on height, orientation, and surrounding structures
- Complex level changes requiring accessible ramped transitions
- High foot traffic zones with increased structural loading requirements
- Pressure to balance performance with cost-efficiency across a large-scale scheme
In short: different risks, different requirements, all within one cohesive development.
From Our Socials
Solution & Process
1. Wind Uplift Assessments
We carried out detailed wind uplift surveys across every terrace zone, including:
- Private and hotel terraces
- Restaurant and bar areas
- Circulation and transition zones
This allowed us to map risk levels across the entire scheme, informing a tailored design approach rather than over-engineering every space.
2. Zone-Specific Design Strategy
Working closely with the Laing O’Rourke design team, we developed targeted solutions based on exposure:
- High-risk zones:
- Increased paving weight
- Enhanced system specification to resist uplift forces
- Sheltered areas:
- No uplift mitigation required
- Leveraged natural shielding from surrounding structures
- Mixed-use zones:
- Integrated furniture and built-in elements
- Reduced wind impact through design, not just structure
3. System Selection & Build-Up
Main Roof Terraces
- System: TerraSmart® Rail Lattice Frame + Pedestal
- Finish: 50mm concrete pavers
Chosen for its ability to:
- Handle level changes and ramps seamlessly
- Deliver high structural performance under foot traffic loads
- Perform in high-exposure environments
The lattice frame enabled:
- Smooth ramped transitions across level changes
- Reinforced zones where loading requirements increased
Transition Zones
Once level changes were resolved:
- The system shifted to paving on pedestals
This delivered:
- Cost efficiency without compromising performance
- A simplified build-up where full structural support wasn’t required
Restaurant & Bar Areas
- Finish: Porcelain tiles
- System: TerraSmart® Pedestal
Thanks to reduced exposure:
- No additional uplift mitigation was needed
- A lighter, more economical solution could be specified
4. From Drawing to Reality
Design is one thing. Getting it built correctly is another.
We supported the project throughout delivery with:
- Ongoing technical detailing and drawings
- Wind uplift calculations and verification
- Multiple site visits across key stages
- Hands-on collaboration with installers
This ensured the system was installed exactly as designed, with no gaps between specification and reality.
Outcome
- Wind uplift risks fully mitigated across all terrace areas
- Fire compliance achieved – BROOF(t4) in accordance with EN 13501-5
- Optimised design balancing performance and cost
- Seamless integration of multiple systems across varied environments
- Strengthened partnership with Laing O’Rourke through repeat collaboration
Summary
Future Olympia is a clear example of what happens when design, engineering, and delivery are fully aligned.
By combining detailed wind analysis, tailored system design, and hands-on site support, we delivered a solution that performs across every terrace – without overcomplicating the build.
Image gallery
