Overview

Spence was appointed to undertake the regeneration of Devonshire House, a three-storey brick building connected to a row of Victorian arch viaducts.

Both the building and the arches were in a distressed condition and required significant remedial works.

Scope

A full list of works outlined as follows:

• Initial works included isolated brickwork repairs, re-rendering of the external façade, and redevelopment of interconnecting rear arches
• Removal of existing render revealed significant structural defects, requiring extensive brickwork repairs and structural alterations
• Installation of steel strengthening works to stabilise the structure and support new shopfronts and sash window installations
• Erection of external scaffolding to all elevations, including coordination and liaison with local authority and residents
• Installation of bespoke sash windows and shopfront glazing to enhance the building frontage
• Application of heritage-compliant render and paint finishes to restore the external façade
• Structural reconfiguration of rear arches to improve layout and usability
• Construction of new steel mezzanine decks to maximise lettable floor space
• Installation of contemporary glazed infill sections to improve access and increase appeal for future tenants

Challenges & Solutions

Unknown to the client, Devonshire House was in a structurally unsound state. Therefore, by working closely with its onsite engineering team, Spence installed substantial structural steelwork.

These fundamental alterations along with dynamic stabilisation techniques ensured the building was structurally sound.