U.S. Embassy, London

GBE Converge were appointed by Main Contractor BL Harbert International, to carry out the installation of the Fire Alarm System to the new U.S. Embassy in London, the U.S. Government’s UK headquarters.  The 4.9-acre brownfield site, located in the rapidly developing area of Nine Elms on the South bank of the Thames, is situated between Vauxhall and Battersea. Sir Robert McAlpine is the Prime Subcontractor on the project.

The building is under the care and direction of the U.S. Government’s Overseas Buildings Operations, who have a dedicated team based in London. Designed by Philadelphia-based architect Kieran Timberlake, the construction reflects the best of modern design, incorporating the latest in energy-efficient building techniques and celebrates the values of freedom and democracy.

In addition to installation, GBE Converge have also provided design assistance to Keller Fire & Safety, BL Harbert International’s appointed Fire Alarm and Life Safety Systems installer.

Installation works have required meticulous coordination with other contractors to overcome the challenges with containment routes in congested service voids, as well as final device positioning in the various service tile locations.

GBE Converge’s installation team have been instrumental in ensuring the works have been carried out to the highest standards and completed within agreed timescales, allowing Keller Fire & Safety sufficient time to commission the system.

GBE Converge Managing Director Jason Buttle commented “We’re extremely pleased to have been appointed to such a high-profile project. Our design team have overcome some interesting challenges such as working with U.S. NFPA code and we’ve added genuine value to the project.”

GBE commenced their installation work in 2015, with commissioning due to commence in December 2016 and completion in 2017.