Client
Barratt Homes Ltd
Value
£173k
Sectors & Services
Heritage & Listed Concrete Repair Condition Surveys Cleaning & Preparation Projects
Originally designed by Wallis Gilbert & Partners, Wallis House is a highly prominent Art Deco Grade II listed building located alongside the elevated A4 and M4 corridor on the approach to Heathrow Airport from Central London. Constructed as an office tower, the building is a recognised landmark of early twentieth-century commercial architecture.
Prior to the works, the structure had become disused and required sensitive intervention to facilitate its conversion into luxury residential apartments. Given its listed status and exposed location, the project demanded a carefully considered approach to protect the historic façade, address long-term durability issues, and ensure the building’s continued service life while preserving its architectural significance.
Services undertaken
-
Façade masonry cleaning
-
Installation of remote-controlled impressed current cathodic protection system
-
Stonework rebuilding
-
Stonework restoration and replacement
CRL was appointed as Specialist Contractor to support Barratt Homes in the complex restoration and conversion of this iconic listed structure. Central to the works was the careful cleaning and repair of the façade masonry, undertaken using appropriate techniques to remove surface contaminants while protecting the historic fabric. Extensive stonework repairs were required, including rebuilding, restoration, and selective replacement, ensuring visual consistency with the original Art Deco detailing.
A key element of the project was the design and installation of a remote-controlled impressed current cathodic protection system to mitigate ongoing reinforcement corrosion within the concrete elements. Given the Grade II listing, CRL worked closely with English Heritage and the 20th Century Society to develop a solution that delivered effective corrosion control while remaining sympathetic to the building’s appearance and historic value. This collaborative approach ensured that modern intervention was discreetly integrated into the existing structure.
CRL’s experience in specialist concrete repairs and structural repairs UK enabled the team to manage technical challenges associated with working on a tall, exposed building adjacent to a major transport route. All works were carefully sequenced to maintain safety, quality, and programme certainty, contributing to the successful transformation of the former office tower into high-quality residential accommodation.
“CRL delivered exceptional workmanship with sensitivity and professionalism throughout. The project exceeded expectations in quality and collaboration.”
Client's Representative
Beyond the immediate restoration works, the project delivered long-term asset management benefits by addressing the root causes of deterioration and safeguarding Wallis House for future generations.
The installation of an impressed current cathodic protection system significantly extends the service life of the concrete elements, reducing the need for ongoing intrusive repairs and future maintenance interventions. CRL’s collaborative engagement with heritage bodies and the client ensured that durability, resilience, and conservation objectives were aligned.
This considered approach enhanced structural integrity while preserving architectural character, demonstrating CRL’s ability to deliver sustainable, technically robust solutions on complex listed buildings, and reinforcing the long-term value of the asset within a demanding urban environment.
