Kolapo Lawson Residence

Rebuilding around what had to remain.

The Kolapo Lawson Residence combined partial demolition with reconstruction. Existing conditions influenced every new intervention, so the work required careful assessment, controlled removal and a clear sequence for connecting new foundations, structural elements and masonry to the retained building.

Site Engineer

I coordinated demolition and reconstruction activities, interpreted structural requirements, supervised reinforcement, formwork and concrete work and organised site teams around the approved sequence. I also monitored dimensions and interfaces as new work met the retained structure.

Key workstreams.

Connecting new structural work to an existing building.

Structural information was interpreted alongside actual site conditions. New foundations, reinforcement and concrete elements were set out and executed with close attention to their relationship with retained walls and structural components.

Controlling demolition before reconstruction.

Removal activities were sequenced to expose the necessary work areas without damaging elements marked for retention. Reconstruction then followed a planned order so that each completed stage created a stable base for the next.

Checking every junction between old and new.

Dimensions, levels, reinforcement and workmanship were monitored throughout the rebuild. Particular attention was paid to interfaces, because the success of the finished structure depended on the new work aligning properly with what remained.

Site documentation.

Reconstruction demands more judgement than simply following a new-build sequence because every new intervention must respond to an existing condition.