Thermal and radar imaging was used in the refurbishment of The Bedford Estates’ property at 20  Bloomsbury Square to assess structural condition and thermal performance, whilst limiting disruption to the Georgian building and its occupants. A ‘body scan’ of the property, using the most up-to-date techniques, was recommended to assess the cause of sloping floors and uneven door frames.

By carrying out this non-destructive survey, engineers obtained visual models of the complete structure, giving a full picture of all hidden beams, joists and frames. This reduced risk and allowed maximum use of existing materials in the refurbishment. MNP contracted specialists Fugro Aperio to carry out the survey, which took just one day from start to finish. Because the testing was non-destructive, it allowed existing tenants of the building to continue working while the survey was being carried out.

The scans highlighted the position and density of timber components, modern blockwork partitions in the basement, diagonal bracing in timber walls, as well as bonding, thickness and position of flues in party walls. By analysing the resulting computer model, the engineers then produced an efficient design which re-used existing timbers to stabilise the structure. As well as structural calculations, the engineers calculated thermal performance of the building and recommended the best positions and materials to be used for insulation.