
Beacon Tower
High-Rise External Refurbishment
Discover how ACS Coatings delivered a complex external refurbishment programme across a 13-storey occupied residential building, including specialist lead-based paint removal and comprehensive protective coatings.
The Client
Savills
National estate agent Savills required a specialist contractor to carry out a full external refurbishment of Beacon Tower, a high-rise residential building in Bristol. The building had reached a stage where significant remedial works were required across all external elements, from balcony railings to masonry, floor surfaces, and more.
The project demanded a contractor with proven experience in occupied high-rise environments and one with specialist capabilities in hazardous material removal. They also needed to have the ability to deliver a comprehensive refurbishment programme without compromising resident safety or daily life.
So, in step ACS Coatings.

What They Asked For
The complete external refurbishment of the building included:
- Safe removal and disposal of lead-based paint from all balcony railings across 13 floors
- Full refurbishment of balcony railings, including etching, repainting, and respraying.
- External masonry preparation and painting
- Complete preparation and protective coating of all balcony floors
- Commercial waterproofing works on all base railings.
A crucial aspect of this job was that all work needed to be delivered safely in a live, occupied building. The careful management of hazardous materials was also hugely important, with minimal disruption to residents.
What We Did
We deployed a team of 16 highly trained team members to carry out the full refurbishment programme for Beacon Tower.
The work carried out included:
- Specialist stripping and safe disposal of lead-based paint from balcony railings across all 13 floors.
- Etching, repainting, and respraying of all balcony railings to restore the visual aesthetic and provide long-term protection.
- Full preparation and painting of external masonry to refresh and protect the building envelope.
- Complete preparation and protective coating of all balcony floors to improve durability and weather resistance.
- Waterproof all base railings to prevent future water ingress and deterioration.
Every element of the refurbishment was carried out to the highest standards, with particular attention paid to surface preparation, material compatibility, and finish quality. Our team also made sure that each floor was systematically completed before progressing to the next. This helped the workflow move along smoothly and helped maintain consistency throughout the building.
The protective coating systems applied were selected specifically for their durability in exposed, high-rise environments. This helped extend the lifecycle of all treated surfaces and reduced the need for frequent future maintenance.
And by combining specialist removal techniques with advanced coating technology, ACS Coatings delivered a refurbishment that addressed immediate concerns and long-term performance.


How We Did It
The project was delivered over 9 months using specialist access systems, strict safety controls, and carefully planned sequencing. Working on a live, occupied high-rise building presented many unique challenges, particularly around resident safety, noise management, and access coordination. All of which our team handled effectively.
The safe removal of lead-based paint also required specialised methods and strict compliance with health and safety regulations. Our personnel, therefore, followed controlled removal procedures, contained all waste materials, and disposed of hazardous substances through certified channels. This protected both residents and operatives throughout the duration of the works.
Access across 13 floors was managed using a combination of scaffolding and rope access, helping us work efficiently while maintaining secure working zones. And through proactive planning and flexibility, the programme remained on track despite these external factors.
The Result
Beacon Tower was fully refurbished externally, achieving long-term protection, improved appearance, and enhanced weather resistance. The building now benefits from durable protective coatings across all balcony railings and floors. All lead-based paint has been safely removed and replaced with modern, high-performance systems.
The external masonry was also fully restored, giving the building a clean, well-maintained appearance. The waterproofing works on base railings have provided additional protection against water ingress, too, extending the building’s lifecycle substantially.
Savills provided excellent feedback on the project, noting the professionalism of the team, the quality of the work, and the effective management of a complex programme in a live residential environment.
The successful delivery of this high-rise refurbishment demonstrates ACS Coatings’ capability to manage large-scale external works with sensitivity, technical expertise, and a strong focus on safety.


Get in Touch
To discuss complex or high-rise refurbishment projects, contact ACS Coatings on 0800 987 5886.