British Airways TBC Toilet Refurbishment
The details
- Location: The British Airways (BA) Technical Block training facility, Heathrow Airport
- Value: £2,700,000
- Size: 462 sqft
- Duration: 56 weeks
ODInteriors was appointed by British Airways to deliver the refurbishment of toilet facilities within a live, high-occupancy office environment under a traditional contract.
The project undertook the refurbishment of 16 toilets across two floors (Levels 9 and 10), arranged as eight cores, each consisting of male and female facilities.
The works were carried out within a secure and operational workplace, requiring careful coordination to ensure that staff welfare facilities remained available at all times. Maintaining business continuity, minimising disruption, and adhering to strict security protocols were critical to the project’s success.
The team
- Architect: Millar Design + Management
- Project Manager: Turner & Townsend.
- Cost Consultant: Turner & Townsend
- M&E Consultant: WB Shiels
- Building management: CBRE
- Photographer: ©SOLK Photography
List of works:
- 16 toilets over two floors.
- Upgrade mechanical equipment in the multi-storey car park to support new infrastructure.
- Undertook asbestos removal works in contaminated areas in controlled conditions and in line with the statutory guidelines.
Key features
The refurbishment was delivered within a live and highly regulated corporate environment, requiring a carefully phased strategy that allowed British Airways to maintain full operational continuity throughout the works. The project combined technical refurbishment with user-focused upgrades, including improved accessibility, enhanced functionality and more efficient building services.
A defining feature of the project was the balance between programme certainty and flexibility. Sectional handovers enabled completed areas to be returned to use promptly, while close coordination with facilities management ensured the sequence of works remained aligned with changing operational demands.
Logistics and challenges
Delivering the refurbishment within a fully occupied and security-restricted building required detailed planning and proactive management.
To ensure sufficient welfare provision throughout the programme, the works were delivered across three carefully planned phases. Toilet cores were taken out of use in controlled sections, while alternative facilities remained operational. Each phase was completed and handed back via sectional completion before progressing to the next area.
A comprehensive logistics plan was implemented, identifying:
- Dedicated lifts for materials and waste
- Controlled demolition and waste removal routes
- Skip locations coordinated to avoid disruption to daily operations
- Clear segregation between construction and occupied areas.
Given the live environment, noise management was critical. Noisy activities were programmed for weekends or out-of-hours wherever possible to minimise disruption to staff.
Additional challenges included the identification of asbestos in specific areas, which was safely removed in line with regulations. Clean air certification was issued, and all affected spaces were formally cleared for reoccupation. The project also involved upgrading accessibility and disabled facilities.
Operating within a high-security environment added further complexity. All operatives and subcontractors were subject to stringent compliance checks, including right-to-work verification and security clearance, with requirements clearly communicated through pre-start briefings.
Collaboration
ODGroup worked closely with the architect to refine elements of the design and enhance overall functionality and user experience.
These collaborative improvements resulted in a small number of agreed variations, ensuring the final solution delivered maximum value for the client while remaining aligned with operational requirements.
Close coordination with British Airways’ Facilities Management team was maintained throughout, supported by daily communication and weekly newsletters issued to building users.
The newsletters provided advance notice of upcoming works, anticipated noise, and areas affected, allowing staff to plan accordingly and manage temporary desk relocations where required. This transparent approach helped manage expectations and maintain positive engagement with occupiers throughout the programme.
The result
The project delivered a significant improvement to the quality, functionality and accessibility of the toilet facilities, providing a vastly enhanced end-user experience compared to the previous amenities.
The phased approach, strong communication strategy and careful logistical planning ensured the refurbishment was completed safely, efficiently and with minimal disruption to daily operations.
As ODInterior’s first project for British Airways, the successful delivery helped establish a strong working relationship and positioned the team positively for future opportunities within the organisation.
