Double Helix Staircase
Compass Electrical successfully delivered a complex package of electrical and infrastructure works to support the installation and showcase lighting of a newly completed double helix staircase, delivered within a live trading flagship retail environment.
Location: London Piccadilly
Main Contractor: Portview
Duration: 40 Weeks
The works required careful sequencing, out-of-hours coordination, and round-the-clock working to meet programme demands while maintaining operational continuity.
Services Delivered
Strip-out and diversion of live services to enable major construction works behind hoarding
Temporary site supplies to support a safe, well-lit construction environment
Mains distribution upgrades to facilitate new lighting and power requirements
Upgraded lighting control systems
Structured network cabling
Bespoke lighting supply and installation to showcase the staircase feature
Bespoke finished power and data outlets (bespoke specification)
Live-Environment Delivery Context
Delivering major works behind hoarding inside an operational flagship store introduces unique risks: safety, access, noise restrictions, trading hours constraints, and the need for absolute reliability when managing live services. This project required a disciplined approach to planning, interface management, and stakeholder coordination to protect the trading environment while progressing the build.
Key Project Challenges
1) Live services diversion and hoarding enablement (out-of-hours)
Diversion of live services was required to allow hoarding to be erected and major construction works to proceed.
Out-of-hours working was used where needed to minimise operational disruption and maintain safety.
2) Round-the-clock delivery to meet coordination demands
The programme required flexible working patterns and rapid response to coordination changes across trades.
Sequencing and communication were critical to keep work progressing safely and on time.
3) Design input to reduce work-at-height maintenance exposure
Compass Electrical provided design input to mitigate future work-at-height risks associated with the new lighting installation.
The intent was to improve maintainability and reduce long-term access burden.
Outcome
The result is a high-impact architectural feature supported by a robust electrical infrastructure, enhanced lighting control system, and bespoke lighting that brings the staircase to life. Compass Electricals’s delivery demonstrates capability in technically demanding projects where programme pressure, stakeholder management, and live-environment constraints must all be managed simultaneously.
Additional Notes:
The staircase was officially opened by His Majesty King Charles III.
Reference: ) His Majesty The King Unveils Double Helix Staircase