Future Olympia

Introduction

Future Olympia is a landmark mixed-use redevelopment in West London, transforming the iconic Olympia site into a destination for hospitality, leisure, and culture.

Delivered by Laing O’Rourke, the scheme includes a mix of hotel terraces, private outdoor spaces, and high-footfall public areas such as restaurants and bars.

Following a successful collaboration at King’s Cross S4, we were brought in early to support the design and specification of terrace systems across the development, with a particular focus on wind uplift mitigation.

The Challenge

This wasn’t a one-size-fits-all terrace project. It was a layered, high-exposure environment with multiple competing demands:

• • Multiple terrace types - from private and hotel spaces to public hospitality areas
  • Varying exposure levels depending on height, orientation, and surrounding structures
  • Complex level changes requiring accessible ramped transitions
  • High foot traffic zones with increased structural loading requirements
  • Pressure to balance performance with cost-efficiency across a large-scale scheme

In short: different risks, different requirements, all within one cohesive development.

Solution & Process

1. Wind Uplift Assessments

We carried out detailed wind uplift surveys across every terrace zone, including:

• • Private and hotel terraces
  • Restaurant and bar areas
  • Circulation and transition zones

This allowed us to map risk levels across the entire scheme, informing a tailored design approach rather than over-engineering every space.

2. Zone-Specific Design Strategy

Working closely with the Laing O’Rourke design team, we developed targeted solutions based on exposure:

• • High-risk zones:
  • Increased paving weight
  • Enhanced system specification to resist uplift forces
  • Sheltered areas:
  • No uplift mitigation required
  • Leveraged natural shielding from surrounding structures
  • Mixed-use zones:
  • Integrated furniture and built-in elements
  • Reduced wind impact through design, not just structure

3. System Selection & Build-Up

Main Roof Terraces

• • System: TerraSmart® Lattice Frame + Pedestal
  • Finish: 50mm concrete pavers

Chosen for its ability to:

• • Handle level changes and ramps seamlessly
  • Deliver high structural performance under foot traffic loads
  • Perform in high-exposure environments

The lattice frame enabled:

• • Smooth ramped transitions across level changes
  • Reinforced zones where loading requirements increased

Transition Zones

Once level changes were resolved:

• • The system shifted to paving on pedestals

This delivered:

• • Cost efficiency without compromising performance
  • A simplified build-up where full structural support wasn’t required

Restaurant & Bar Areas

• • Finish: Porcelain tiles
  • System: TerraSmart® Pedestal

Thanks to reduced exposure:

• • No additional uplift mitigation was needed
  • A lighter, more economical solution could be specified

4. From Drawing to Reality

Design is one thing. Getting it built correctly is another.

We supported the project throughout delivery with:

• • Ongoing technical detailing and drawings
  • Wind uplift calculations and verification
  • Multiple site visits across key stages
  • Hands-on collaboration with installers

This ensured the system was installed exactly as designed, with no gaps between specification and reality.

Outcome

• • Wind uplift risks fully mitigated across all terrace areas
  • Fire compliance achieved - BROOF(t4) in accordance with EN 13501-5
  • Optimised design balancing performance and cost
  • Seamless integration of multiple systems across varied environments
  • Strengthened partnership with Laing O’Rourke through repeat collaboration