HSBC had commissioned Foster and Partners to design a new headquarters building in Canary Wharf. The floors in the main foyer, lift lobbies and transfer floors were water-jetted black granite totalling some 3,500 square meters. On completion of the building, the floors did not live up to either the client’s or architect’s expectations. Cement-based contamination from construction and fit-out, dirt from foot traffic and stains from food and oil, all conspired to ruin the appearance.

Extensive were contacted by Fosters and invited to specify and undertake restorative treatments to the floors. We surveyed the site and carried out a variety of tests in unobtrusive areas to determine the most effective treatments.

Following these tests, it was agreed by both Fosters and HSBC senior management that we would undertake a thorough deep clean and stain removal of all floor areas. In addition, we treated the whole of the ground floor and transfer areas with an impregnating sealer. The work was mainly carried out at night to minimise disruption.

Our treatments resulted in a dramatic improvement in the appearance and performance-in-use characteristics of the floor. We were then asked to work closely with the cleaning contractor to specify and establish a new cleaning and maintenance regime. We also recommended the purchase of some new cleaning equipment and specified more suitable maintenance products.

Subsequently, we were asked if we could improve the appearance of the floor still further and carried out additional tests with products designed to change the aesthetic qualities. As a result, we were invited to re-clean and re-seal the main foyer to darken the granite and give it a slight sheen. This treatment also had the result of making the floor easier to clean. In addition, Extensive have now been invited to undertake periodic specialist maintenance, which we do every three to four months, to ensure that the floor maintains its high quality appearance.