Case Study: Athenaeum Hotel Penthouse Suites, London
Project Overview
Clockwork Removals and Storage was appointed to provide a comprehensive FF&E storage, logistics and installation service in support of the refurbishment of three penthouse suites at the Athenaeum Hotel in Central London. FF&E storage is the secure receipt, inspection, inventory management and warehousing of Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment (FF&E) prior to delivery and installation on site. The project required careful coordination across multiple phases, including inventory management, secure storage, logistical planning, installation and post-completion support.
The Challenge
The project presented several logistical challenges due to the nature of the penthouse suites and the location of the hotel in Central London. Newly procured FF&E items needed to be received, inspected, securely stored and tracked prior to installation. In addition, access restrictions within the hotel created significant delivery challenges, with a number of oversized furniture items and headboards unable to fit within the building’s lifts.
The installation programme also required detailed planning to minimise disruption to hotel operations while ensuring all furnishings were delivered and installed within a tight two-day schedule.
Our Solution
FF&E Receiving and Storage
Upon arrival at our secure storage facility, all FF&E items were unloaded, inspected, and condition checked by our specialist team. Any damages, defects, or discrepancies were documented and reported immediately to the client.
Detailed inventory records were maintained throughout the storage period, with all items logged and tracked through shared inventory management systems. The contents remained securely stored for approximately two to three months prior to the installation phase.
Site Survey and Access Planning
Ahead of installation, our project team conducted a comprehensive site survey at the hotel to assess access routes, delivery constraints and installation requirements.
The survey identified that several large furniture items and bespoke headboards could not be transported using the building’s lift system. This early identification allowed the team to develop alternative handling solutions and accurately resource the installation programme.
Logistics Planning
A detailed logistics plan was produced for the two-day installation programme, incorporating:
- Delivery scheduling and sequencing of FF&E items.
- Coordination of vehicle access and parking arrangements within Central London.
- Allocation of labour resources for manual handling operations.
- Safe movement plans for oversized furniture requiring transportation via stairwells.
- Installation sequencing across the three penthouse suites.
The plan included the manual movement of large furniture items up ten flights of stairs, ensuring all pieces could be delivered safely to their final locations despite the building’s access limitations.
Installation
A dedicated crew of four operatives was deployed on each day of the installation programme.
The team was responsible for:
- Delivery of all FF&E items from storage.
- Assembly of furniture where required.
- Positioning and installation of furnishings within each penthouse suite.
- Removal of packaging materials.
- Final room set-up in accordance with the designer’s layout plans.
Through careful planning and coordination, all installations were completed within the allocated programme period.
Post-Installation Support
Four weeks after the initial installation, the project team returned to provide additional support during a subsequent phase of refurbishment works.
A dedicated crew was supplied to temporarily relocate installed contents, allowing contractors access to undertake underfloor works. Once these works were completed all FF&E items were carefully reinstated to their original positions, ensuring the suites remained presentation-ready.
The project was delivered successfully through a combination of meticulous planning, proactive problem-solving, and experienced installation personnel.
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