Shrink Wrap for Demolition at Citiscape House, Holborn, Central London
- EcoShrink
- Jan 25, 2019
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 13
EcoShrink delivered shrink wrap containment for demolition at Citiscape House in Holborn, Central London. Working with McAleer & Rushe and demolition contractor METRO, we encapsulated the external scaffolding so phased demolition of the 10- storey building could take place on a busy city-centre site with tight dust, debris and public-safety controls.
Project overview
Citiscape House, located in the heart of Holborn, is being cleared to make way for a new “greenest building in the capital” development. McAleer & Rushe and demolition contractor METRO were tasked with the phased demolition of the 10-storey structure on a prominent Central London corner surrounded by busy pavements and constant public traffic.
EcoShrink was appointed to provide a robust industrial shrink wrap containment solution, wrapping the external scaffolding to keep demolition dust, debris and fragments within a sealed envelope and safeguard the public in a highprofile urban environment.
Challenges on site
Prime Central London location with heavy pedestrian flows, office workers and tourists around the site 10-storey building requiring phased demolition, increasing the importance of reliable containment at every stage.
Need to control dust, debris and fragmented materials in a confined urban space Variable London weather (rain and wind) impacting both safety and programme. Requirement for a neat, professional elevation to reflect the future development’s profile and protect client reputation
Our shrink wrap solution for demolition
EcoShrink designed and installed a demolition containment system using industrial shrink wrap to encapsulate the external scaffold.
This solution met several key objectives:
Scope & planning: Reviewed the building footprint, scaffold design and surrounding streets to define the containment line. Coordinated with McAleer & Rushe and METRO on demolition phases, access points and exclusion zones. Planned sequencing so shrink wrap installation aligned with the phased demolition approach and public-safety requirements
Industrial shrink wrap demolition enclosure: Installed specialised industrial shrink wrap over the external scaffold to form a continuous, sealed façade around the building. Used heat to shrink and tension the wrap, creating a tight skin capable of withstanding London wind and weather. Detailed joints and overlaps to minimise leakage paths so dust and demolition fragments remained inside the enclosure.
Safety, weather and presentation: The sealed wrap provided full dust and debris control, especially important during daytime when public exposure was highest. Created a weather barrier that helped stabilise the internal environment and reduce weather-induced delays to demolition operations. Delivered a tidy, uniform exterior that acted as a professional site façade, rather than exposed scaffolding and demolition works. Incorporated branded banners onto the shrink wrap surface, giving McAleer & Rushe on-site visibility and supporting communication around the future development.
Programme & performance
Over approximately two weeks, EcoShrink encapsulated the full scaffold at Citiscape House with industrial shrink wrap. The system was installed to McAleer & Rushe’s programme, allowing demolition to proceed on schedule behind the sealed façade. Throughout the works, the demolition dust containment system reduced the risk of environmental contamination and public disturbance, while maintaining a cleanlooking elevation in a densely populated part of Central London.
Results
Robust shrink wrap demolition enclosure completed in line with McAleer & Rushe’s programme. Dust, debris and fragments from demolition contained within the scaffold, supporting public safety and environmental controls.
Weather protection from the shrink wrap skin helped reduce weather-related stoppages and disruption. Neat, branded external appearance maintained on a high-profile Holborn site, supporting the image of the future development. A proven shrink wrap protection method for hazardous demolition sites in busy urban settings.
Similar projects & next steps
EcoShrink uses the same shrink wrap for demolition methods on multi-storey structures, city-centre demolitions and hazardous sites where public safety and dust control are critical. For more examples, see our Containment Case Studies hub, or visit our Industrial Containments service page for methods, options and FAQs.
If you’re planning demolition in a high-traffic area, share your elevations, demolition phases and key dates and we’ll return a costed shrink wrap containment method and earliest start dates.
FAQ
Why was shrink wrap containment used for demolition at Citiscape House?
The project involved phased demolition of a 10-storey building in a busy Central London location with constant pedestrian and traffic flows. Shrink wrap containment provided a sealed enclosure around the scaffold to control dust, debris and fragments, helping protect the public and surrounding environment.
How did the shrink wrap help with programme and weather risks?
The industrial shrink wrap skin offered both debris containment and weather protection. By reducing the impact of wind and rain on the demolition zones, the system helped the team maintain progress and avoid weather-related delays while still working behind a fully encapsulated façade.
Did the demolition enclosure affect the appearance of the site?
Yes – in a positive way. Instead of exposed scaffolding and demolition works, the shrink wrap provided a neat, continuous surface. Branded banners were added to the exterior, supporting McAleer & Rushe’s visibility and presenting a more ordered, professional façade in Holborn during the demolition phase.
Get in Touch
Is your demolition or construction project in a high-traffic zone that demands rigorous safety and environmental compliance? EcoShrink specialises in industrial shrink wrap containment for large and small-scale developments, ensuring a safe, efficient, and professional demolition process. Contact us today to learn how our dust and debris containment shrink wrap solutions can help protect the public, maintain site integrity, and bolster your professional image. Get in touch to discuss a bespoke plan for your next project.
