Issue 40 winter 23 web - Flipbook - Page 25
Above and below, between 1851 and 1865, this was Lord Palmerston’s study, with its original, ornate plaster ceiling
placing all the new timber and plaster elements on battens
that were acoustically separated. Floor joists would also
need to be acoustically isolated. It was felt this would have
been a very aggressive form of intervention, particularly
to apply to those rooms of real historical significance.
So, in collaboration with the conservation officer, English
Heritage and structural engineers, AKT II, the decision
was made to apply the largest interventions in the least
significant spaces – the basement level. In, what we
believe to be a first for a Grade I listed building, the existing structure of the main building at No. 94 Piccadilly
(and additionally at 95 and 90-93 Piccadilly) was cut and
placed on rubber pads, acoustically separating the whole
structure, mitigating noise and vibration.
What strategies are in place to prevent any future
deterioration, ensuring the continued preservation of
the building?
The single most important aspect is that the building is
going to be used – not just by guests and residents but by
the public who will be able to access the ground floor tea
lounges, ballroom, gallery and central courtyard. Once a
year there will be an open house when the main – most
historically significant - rooms at first floor level will also
be open to the public. The building will therefore be in
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Conservation & Heritage Journal
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