News Our Top 10 Construction Time-Lapse Projects

Time-lapse photography has become a valuable tool in construction, offering a clear, concise way to monitor progress, share updates with stakeholders, and archive the development of complex builds. Over the years, we’ve had the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects, capturing everything from large-scale residential developments to major infrastructure works.

This article showcases ten of our standout construction time-lapse projects, selected for their scale, significance, and the technical approach required to document them effectively. Each project presented unique logistical and environmental challenges that shaped how we installed and managed our time-lapse systems.

Among the featured projects is Barratt London, where we followed the phased delivery of a housing development at Hendon Waterside. Several Berkeley Group projects also feature, highlighting different stages of construction across urban regeneration schemes and mixed-use developments. Additionally, we also documented the exciting 40 Leadenhall development in London.

Retail and infrastructure sectors are represented too. Our work with Tesco involved capturing both demolition and new-build elements at a major store site. At Wimbledon, we documented facility upgrades at the No 1 court, with strict timing requirements around the tournament schedule. For HS2 Euston Station, our long-term time-lapse installation continues to record the ongoing transformation of one of the UK’s most high-profile infrastructure projects.

Each project has contributed to our evolving approach, helping refine how we manage long-duration capture in active construction environments. Through this selection, we aim to share insight into the practical value of time-lapse, the versatility of its application, and the role it plays in supporting communication across all stages of a build.

In the following sections, we’ll take a closer look at each project, exploring the site-specific considerations, the camera setups used, and the final results delivered to our clients.

1. White City

The White City project, developed by the Berkeley Group, represents one of the most significant regeneration efforts in West London. Our time-lapse work on this project began in the early stages of construction and continued throughout its key phases, providing a continuous visual record of progress for stakeholders, marketing teams, and project managers.

From the outset, the project presented several logistical considerations. The site spans a large area and is located in a densely populated part of the city, surrounded by residential buildings, retail units, and public transport links. To ensure full coverage, we installed our systems at strategic positions across the site. These positions were carefully selected in coordination with the client and on-site teams, with particular attention given to safety, power access, and long-term visibility.

Each camera unit was housed in a weatherproof enclosure and remotely managed via our secure platform. This allowed us to make adjustments to capture settings, monitor performance, and carry out routine maintenance checks without the need for regular site visits. This was especially useful during periods of limited site access.

The White City project involved a range of construction activities, including demolition, groundwork, the construction of residential blocks, and public realm enhancements. Our time-lapse systems were active throughout each stage, capturing high-resolution images at fixed intervals. These were compiled into edited sequences that visually communicated the development process in a way that was both informative and accessible.

Our work helped The Berkeley Group’s teams review site activity, track milestones, and communicate progress with internal and external audiences. These outputs were also used across various marketing channels to support engagement with buyers and investors.

Our work with the Berkeley Group on this site demonstrates the role that time-lapse plays not only as a documentation tool but also as a means of improving communication, supporting project oversight, and enhancing transparency for stakeholders.

As development progresses into future phases, we continue to maintain five camera systems on-site and collaborate with the client to ensure that all visual material meets project objectives and continues to deliver value.

2. Abell and Cleland

Our time-lapse work at the Abell and Cleland site in Westminster forms part of a long-standing collaboration with the Berkeley Group. We’ve been entrusted to deliver visual documentation across a wide range of their developments throughout the UK. The Abell and Cleland project was a high-profile residential scheme situated in the heart of London, and we were engaged to provide continuous time-lapse coverage from early construction through to completion.

Positioned in a densely built-up area close to key government buildings, the project required careful planning. Access constraints, surrounding structures, and limited space for equipment meant that every camera installation had to be precisely located. Working closely with the site team, we identified elevated, secure positions that allowed us to capture long-term progress without obstruction.

Our time-lapse systems operated throughout the demolition, excavation, and construction phases. The footage recorded over the course of the build was processed into a series of edited sequences, allowing the Berkeley Group to monitor progress, document key milestones, and share updates with stakeholders. Regular highlight videos and full-length compilations were delivered at key intervals and made available through our secure online platform.

As with other Berkeley projects, our involvement included not just image capture, but ongoing system management. This ensured cameras remained functional and correctly configured throughout the project duration, even as conditions on-site changed. Our remote monitoring capability allowed us to adjust settings, update firmware, and ensure image consistency without interrupting work on the ground.

The Abell and Cleland development is one of many projects we have supported for Berkeley across the UK. From urban regeneration sites in London to mixed-use schemes and residential neighbourhoods in other regions, our time-lapse service has become a regular part of their visual documentation process. The consistency and reliability of our systems have helped support internal reporting, marketing activity, and stakeholder communication.

Our continued work on Berkeley Group projects reflects a trusted partnership based on delivering practical, high-quality outputs tailored to each site’s requirements.

3. 190 Strand

The 190 Strand development was a major residential and commercial project located in central London, close to the Thames and key cultural landmarks. Due to its high-profile location and complex delivery programme, the Berkeley Group required a reliable and proven time-lapse solution. We were appointed as their trusted provider, building on our established track record of delivering consistent, high-quality visual documentation on a wide range of Berkeley sites across the UK.

Our involvement began during the initial stages of the development. The site presented a number of logistical challenges, including limited access for installation, the need to work around active construction zones, and the surrounding historic buildings that restricted available viewpoints. We worked closely with the on-site team to identify optimal camera locations that would capture long-term progress while maintaining system security and minimal disruption.

We installed and managed multiple camera systems throughout the build, all of which were remotely monitored and adjusted to respond to changing site conditions. This remote management ensured reliable performance and uninterrupted capture without requiring frequent site access. Our systems recorded high-resolution images at regular intervals, which were then compiled into edited sequences for Berkeley’s internal use and stakeholder communications.

Throughout the 190 Strand project, we provided regular updates, including monthly video edits and stills, and ensured Berkeley teams had access to our secure online portal to view progress in real time. This enabled effective coordination between project teams, marketing departments, and external partners.

Berkeley’s decision to work with us at 190 Strand reflected their confidence in our ability to manage complex, long-term projects with precision and consistency. We had already supported them on a variety of developments nationwide, and our reliable delivery, responsive service, and understanding of construction environments made us a trusted partner.

Our time-lapse work at 190 Strand served as a visual record of the development and supported wider project communication. It also further reinforced our role as a dependable provider for large-scale, high-visibility construction projects.

4. HS2 Euston Station

Our time-lapse work at HS2 Euston Station forms part of a wider contribution to the HS2 programme, where we have been responsible for documenting multiple key construction and infrastructure sites across the UK. HS2 is one of the most significant infrastructure projects currently underway in the UK, and the Euston Station development is central to the London section of the route.

We were appointed to deliver long-term time-lapse coverage of the Euston site to help HS2 and its delivery partners capture, monitor, and communicate ongoing progress. Due to the complexity and scale of the site, our work involved installing multiple camera systems at strategic locations to cover different work zones. All systems are remotely monitored and maintained, allowing us to ensure consistent image quality and reliable operation without needing regular on-site intervention, although we can quickly when needed.

A central component of our service for HS2 has been the integration of the iRis viewing platform. This secure, cloud-based system allows project stakeholders to remotely view live and historic imagery from each installed camera. With teams often working across multiple locations and disciplines, iRis has played a key role in enabling clear, real-time communication and coordination.

The platform has allowed site managers, planners, contractors, and senior leadership to remotely access visual updates, check daily progress, and track milestones. It also supports forecasting and planning by offering visual records that can be reviewed alongside project timelines. This has been particularly useful for assessing the impact of specific works, managing logistics, and communicating with the wider delivery team.

At Euston and other HS2 sites, time-lapse has served not just as a record of work completed, but as a practical tool for ongoing project management. Our experience working within high-security, large-scale infrastructure environments has made us a trusted provider across the HS2 programme.

We continue to maintain and manage the time-lapse systems at Euston and other HS2 locations, supporting the evolving needs of the project as construction progresses.

5. Barratt, London.

As one of the UK’s largest housebuilders, Barratt requires consistent and reliable documentation of its construction activity, both for internal tracking and external communications. Time-lapse photography has played an important role in meeting these requirements, and we have delivered long-term capture across the Hendon Waterside project for Barratt London.

From early groundwork to final stages of handover, our camera systems have been used to record progress in a clear, consistent, and structured way. Working closely with Barratt’s team, we developed site-specific installation plans to ensure that camera placements captured the necessary scope of work without interfering with ongoing construction activities.

Located in North West London, Hendon Waterside is a major residential regeneration scheme involving the construction of new homes, public spaces, and supporting infrastructure. We were engaged to deliver long-term visual documentation of the construction process through high-quality time-lapse capture.

Given the scale and duration of the project, careful planning was required to ensure consistent coverage across different phases of construction. We worked closely with the site team to determine suitable camera positions that could remain effective as the layout of the site evolved. Equipment placement was chosen to maximise visibility while avoiding disruption to on-site operations.

The camera systems we deployed were designed for long-term use, capable of withstanding extended exposure while continuing to deliver high-quality imagery. All units were installed in secure housings, and we monitored them remotely to ensure performance, adjust settings, and maintain consistent output. This remote monitoring reduced the need for on-site maintenance, helping to keep the process efficient and non-disruptive.

As part of our service, Barratt was given access to our iRis viewing platform. This online tool allowed their teams to monitor live progress, review historical imagery, and download clips as needed. iRis supported communication across departments and enabled more informed decision-making by providing visual context to ongoing work.

We continue to support the Hendon Waterside project with active time-lapse systems in place as the development progresses. This partnership represents a successful delivery of our services on a major project and demonstrates how time-lapse can add value through documentation, monitoring, and remote collaboration.

7. Wimbledon

We were appointed to document the construction of the retractable roof on No.1 Court at Wimbledon, a major infrastructure project undertaken by the All England Lawn Tennis Club. The project was designed to improve scheduling reliability during the Championships by enabling play to continue in wet conditions, following the earlier installation of a similar roof on Centre Court.

Our role was to provide long-term time-lapse coverage of the works from early construction through to completion, capturing the full process in a consistent and clear visual format. Given the high-profile nature of the site and the sensitivity of ongoing events at the venue, careful planning was essential from the outset.

Camera placement was a key consideration. The system needed to provide a wide, uninterrupted view of the roof structure, while being discreet and non-intrusive during live events. We worked closely with the project team to identify elevated positions within the stadium and surrounding structures that allowed full visibility of the court and construction area. All equipment was installed securely and with the necessary permissions in place.

The build spanned several years and included the removal of the old roof structure, installation of the supporting steel framework, and the final assembly of the retractable roof. Our time-lapse systems captured high-resolution images at regular intervals throughout the entire period. These images were processed and compiled into a series of edited videos, which were used by AELTC for internal project tracking, external communication, and archival purposes.

Throughout the project, our systems were remotely managed to ensure consistent performance. This included ongoing monitoring, adjustments to capture settings as lighting conditions changed, and routine system checks. Remote management helped reduce the need for physical access to the site, which was important given the restricted environment and tight scheduling around tennis events.

The final edited time-lapse video, delivered at the end of the construction programme, provided a clear visual summary of the transformation of No.1 Court. It was used in press releases, presentations, and coverage related to the project’s official opening.

This project demonstrated the value of time-lapse photography in long-term, high-precision construction settings, where access is limited and consistent monitoring is essential. Our work at Wimbledon shows how time-lapse can support communication, planning, and public engagement throughout complex build programmes.

8. Project Capella: University of Cambridge

We were commissioned by Kier to deliver long-term time-lapse coverage of Project Capella, a specialist research facility at the University of Cambridge. The project formed part of the university’s wider investment in its biomedical research capacity and involved the construction of a state-of-the-art laboratory building on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus.

From the early groundwork through to the final stages of the build, our time-lapse systems were in place to provide a continuous visual record of progress. Working closely with Kier’s project team, we installed camera systems in locations that offered a clear view of the site while maintaining security and non-disruption to adjacent campus activity. Our remote monitoring platform allowed us to manage all systems off-site, ensuring consistent performance throughout the duration of the project.

Footage captured was compiled into a series of edits provided at key milestones, supporting internal progress reviews, stakeholder updates, and external communications. Kier teams also had full access to our secure iRis viewing platform, enabling remote monitoring of site activity, historical playback, and easy download of relevant footage. This helped with team coordination, project planning, and stakeholder engagement across different stages of the build.

Our work on Project Capella is part of a long-standing relationship with Kier. We have been entrusted by the firm to deliver time-lapse services across a broad range of projects throughout the UK. This includes developments in healthcare, infrastructure, commercial construction, and education.

Time-Lapse Systems has extensive experience supporting construction within the education sector. From university buildings and research centres to new teaching facilities and student accommodation, we regularly document large-scale projects for institutions across the country. Our time-lapse systems support communication, oversight, and long-term record-keeping, helping construction teams and their clients stay informed throughout each phase of development.

Project Capella reflects our ongoing partnership with Kier and our commitment to providing reliable, clear visual documentation on high-profile educational builds.

9. Tesco Head Office

We were commissioned by Tesco to provide time-lapse coverage of the construction of the Pear Building and associated link bridge at their head office campus in Welwyn Garden City. The project involved the development of a large office building and the installation of a bridge connecting it to the existing headquarters, designed to improve connectivity and enhance operational capacity across the site.

Our time-lapse cameras were installed early in the construction process and remained in place until completion. The camera locations were selected in close coordination with the project team to ensure continuous, clear views of the key construction zones, including the footprint of the new building and the bridge installation point. Our remote monitoring system ensured that all units remained operational throughout, allowing us to manage image quality and system performance without disrupting on-site work.

Regular video edits were produced and delivered to Tesco and their contractors, supporting internal project reviews, stakeholder engagement, and external communications. The footage also serves as a visual record of the transformation of the head office campus.

The Pear Building and link bridge project is one of several we have completed for Tesco. Our previous work includes time-lapse documentation of store builds, car park developments, and refurbishment works across various UK locations. These projects, often on tight schedules and in live environments, have required careful planning and flexibility to ensure accurate and non-intrusive capture.

In addition to Tesco, we have provided time-lapse solutions for other major supermarket retailers, including Lidl, Sainsbury’s, and Waitrose. These projects have involved a range of construction types- from new-build stores and extensions to warehouse facilities and infrastructure upgrades.

Supermarket construction is a sector we support extensively. Our systems help contractors and clients track progress, meet reporting requirements, and engage key stakeholders through clear visual outputs. Whether for internal use, marketing, or project records, our time-lapse footage supports each stage of delivery.

Our continued work with Tesco and other national supermarket chains demonstrates our ability to meet the demands of fast-paced retail construction projects across the UK.

10. 40 Leadenhall

The Leadenhall Project in London involved the demolition of an existing office building and the construction of a new commercial tower. The new structure features a sloping steel frame design and reaches 225 metres in height. Construction began with extensive groundworks and the installation of deep foundations to support the building’s load.

Time-lapse photography was used from the outset to document each stage of the project. Cameras were positioned to cover key construction zones and operated continuously throughout the build. This visual record provided several practical benefits. It supported progress reporting by offering a clear view of work completed over time. It also assisted in identifying scheduling inefficiencies and coordinating deliveries.

Our time-lapse served as a tool for communication across teams, especially between site and off-site stakeholders. It provided a consistent and objective record of site conditions. Edited sequences were also used in client and investor updates to show construction milestones.

The archive of images now serves as a record of the build process, useful for post-construction review and future planning. For a project of this scale and complexity, our work contributed to improved visibility, coordination, and documentation.