Pitzhanger Manor

The restoration and refurbishment of Pitzhanger Manor and Gallery, a Grade I-listed Manor of significant historical value, aimed to bring back Soane’s Manor and its landscaped surroundings to their Regency splendour. The project also involved the creation of a new café/event space in the walled garden and the enhancement of visitor facilities.

The works included restoring the conservatory, roof light, and historic rooms of Pitzhanger Manor, removing the Victorian infill to reveal and restore the north elevation, and restoring the George Dance wing while removing the 20th century eating room extension and porch. The portico linking the Manor to the Gallery was also recreated.

The Gallery was repaired and enhanced through improved exhibition space, a new entrance foyer, shop, and a community and learning space. The Gallery basement was extended to provide visitor facilities and plant space. The Lodge was restored to serve as a volunteer facilities/workshop space, and a new café/garden room was constructed in the walled garden.

To reduce risks and protect against fire and temporary works, we installed a temporary fire alarm system during the works. We also invested a considerable amount of time designing temporary works to carefully remove an existing Victorian building located between the Manor House and the Gallery, as over 70% of site accidents are related to temporary works, and they typically account for 35% of contract costs.

To reduce risks related to civil infrastructure, we considered factors such as bounce, deflection, frequency, vibration, and potential problems with the ceiling below, as large volumes of people would be walking on floors dating back to the Georgian period. We carefully analysed the floor’s historic and current use and compared it against the anticipated use in the future, and considered how the floor could be strengthened without damaging the original features. As part of the process, we introduced a traffic management plan to restrict the passage of people over the existing floor to ensure its integrity.

• GRADE I LISTED
• WORKING IN A LIVE PUBLIC PARK