aire ancient baths, london

Architect: Purcell

Milk Structures worked with an excellent multidisciplinary, pan-European team of consultants and contractors to deliver this project and transform these brick arch vault structures into luxury spa for Aire Ancient Baths. As a team we worked to overcome the many challenges from poor ground conditions, archaeology, integrating services and structures to facilitate the introduction of new bathing pools, complex construction sequencing and extensive temporary works to mention but a few.

The existing building is a row of town houses built circa 1770 by Robert & James Adam as part of their Adelphi development and are Grade II* listed. The original structure of the properties consists of cellular load bearing masonry. At the lowest level, a series of masonry vaults forms part of the undercroft structure of the building over. The building straddles the former Thames embankment timber wall and foundations of a former Abbey.

All alterations to the existing building were carried out with a view to retain and respect the heritage assets, minimising the structural interventions wherever possible.

The structural works included:

  • extensive structural investigation and monitoring to establish feasibility, with repairs to the existing masonry targeted to maintain the integrity of the existing structure.

  • seven new reinforced concrete bathing pools constructed within the vaults on independent piled foundations.

  • new sub basement reinforced concrete plant room & service trenches

  • replacement of existing arch bays in key locations with reinforced concrete structures to accommodate a new staircase and lift shaft.

  • openings for doorways and extensive new service routes throughout the basement vault level to create new circulation routes, using a 'Pynford beam' approach to achieve adequate headroom.

  • complete replacement of the existing timber mezzanine structure with a steel and timber mezzanine floor to minimise floor depth.

  • removal of an existing, redundant stair and design of a new roof with rooflights over a new bathing pool within an existing lightwell.