K2 visits IET, Savoy Place

13th April 2016

Recently, the K2 team had the opportunity to visit the £20m refurbishment and extension of the IET – Institution of Engineering and Technology, headquarters building and conference facilities.

The project involved refurbishment, reconfiguration and extension of the landmark institution headquarters in Savoy Place, overlooking the River Thames.

London’s newest roof terrace, a breathtaking space with panoramic views

K2 provided Quantity Surveying services and were involved in Cost Management and Commercial Management for the enabling works and main reconstruction works.

Externally the works comprise cleaning / repairs to elevations & roof, new double glazed windows and construction of a new roof terrace.

Internally, the works include a new lecture theatre constructed within the lightwell to the centre of the building above the existing lecture theatre.

This entails new structure being incorporated through existing retained accommodation down to Basement level. The entrance reception, lecture theatre, library, offices, kitchens, toilets, back of house areas and circulation are all refurbished with historic elements retained.

State-of-the-art lecture theatres

Richard Mould, Associate at K2 Rider Hunt said:

“The project is a reflection of the strong alliance and teamwork between the client, IET, the design team, Project Manager, Contractor and K2 Rider Hunt. Having worked closely with the IET since 2011, we recognised this was far more than a construction refurbishment project – and we maintained a constant dialogue with representatives from the IET from the outset.”

More about IET London: Savoy Place

IET reopened for events, following over two years of closure. The refurbishment saw the venue increase its capacity and offer more cutting-edge technology for events. The Kelvin Lecture Theatre, which has retained its original mahogany panelling, now seats 451 delegates, while the new, more contemporary Turing Lecture Theatre has opened on the second floor with space for 190. Both offer live HD broadcast, streaming and filming capabilities. The windows in the revamped Riverside Room and Maxwell Library have been lengthened to maximise views over the Thames.