The Brief
DMA Property Solutions is carrying out a major plumbing job at a commercial site in Battersea, southwest London.
The location is in Battersea Square, at the former headquarters of the Royal Academy of Dance. The large building is being converted into offices and a gym, with many different contractors on site.
We were called to take on the job, replacing the previous plumbing contractors who were unable to complete the project.
The Work Carried Out So Far
Our plumbing engineers are installing all pipe work, fitting air source heat pumps, and hot water cylinders. DMA specialists installed four hot water cylinders, which weigh approximately 300kg each. The four cylinders correspond to open air heat pumps, which were installed on the property’s rooftop – a job that required careful planning and expert installation skills.
The building is across four floors – the ground floor is a reception and canteen, the first floor and second floors are offices, and the third floor is the gym. Our team had to fit showers, sinks, bathrooms, and toilets. Also, we had to design and fit disabled toilets on each level.
We took over the job in March 2025, and the estimated completion date is August 2025.
Project Challenges to Date
There have been multiple challenges we have faced in this project. Chiefly, the fact that there was no handover from the previous plumbing contractors posed the tallest hurdle. This meant we had to investigate, evaluate, and determine how to proceed with existing work done. Often it meant starting again, or heavily modifying fittings to bring them up to standard.
Installing the heavy hot water cylinders also proved a logistical challenge, since we could not lift them up to higher levels with a crane. Therefore, we required more manpower to lift the cylinders to the required locations for installation. At 300kg each, the hot water cylinders were one of the hardest parts of the job to fit.
Furthermore, we had to source the exact materials wanted by the client. For example, the client was set on a particular type of piping material for exposed pipes, which proved difficult to source. Nonetheless, our team managed to track down their desired material, and we successfully fitted the piping the client wanted.
DMA’s lead plumbing engineer on site was Max, who said the job is “complicated, but highly rewarding”.
He said: “It presents a professional challenge and makes you think more and have to solve more problems.
“It’s been satisfying seeing the work completed and meeting the client’s demands, ensuring it’s done to the highest standard and works all the time.”
Get in Touch
The job is out of DMA’s usual area of operations, since we are based in Poole, Dorset. However, DMA can carry out large scale commercial jobs much further afield. The Battersea Square project is testament to this, and our team is highly qualified at successfully completing all types of plumbing and electrical commercial work across the south of England.
Please get in touch if you have a commercial project that requires skilled plumbing engineers to complete your project to the highest standards. Or if you prefer to speak to a member of our team, call us on 01202 090010 today.
