London Architectural Stonemasonry restored the stone facade at 19-21 Great Portland Street, Marylebone, London W1W 8QG, for the Langham Estate.
This included a detailed survey, replacing a stone pilaster capital, undertaking mortar and stone repairs, brick replacements, and repointing. We completed the project in five weeks, enhanced the building’s safety and appearance.
Pictured: The restored facade on 19-21 Great Portland St, Marylebone, London W1W 8QB, UK
The challenge
We were called in to survey a property at 19-21 Great Portland Street, Marylebone, London W1W 8Q, owned by the Langham Estate.
A large piece of masonry had fallen from the building, and the owners were keen to identify any other facade defects, and to understand the repairs required.
Pictured: Our design for the replacement stone pilaster capital
Pictured: Part of the stone pilaster capital we created in our workshop
Our solution
A scaffolding was erected and we undertook a full survey of the building, producing a photo survey for the client so that they could see what we had found and what we were proposing to rectify.
We recommended the replacement of a stone pilaster capital that had failed. We also recommended stone repair works using a combination of mortar repairs and stone indents, brick replacements and repointing, and render removal and reinstallation.
Once the client gave approval, we began by creating a replacement for the pilaster capital at our workshop, then we lifted and installed it.
The lifting of the pilaster capital up to the fifth floor of the building was complicated by the narrowness of the central London pavement. As there was not enough space to add a lifting tower to the scaffolding, we had the scaffolding reinforced and built an internal tower.
Our careful planning and preparations ensured that the actual lifting of the stone pilaster capital was straightforward. We used a hoist connected to a NIKO track at the top of the scaffolding. NIKO tracks are invaluable when we are lifting and installing heavy and delicate stones.
Pictured: Our team installing the pilaster capital on site
Pictured: Installing the pilaster capital on site
Results
The stone pilaster capital replacement, stone repairs, and all brick and rendering works took five weeks.
The client was very happy with the results. We undertake a lot of work in the London W1 postcode area and get a lot of repeat business.
- Enhanced structural integrity of the building, ensuring safety for occupants and pedestrians.
- Improved the appearance of the property, restoring its historical and architectural value.
- Peace of mind for the property owners, knowing that the facade is in excellent condition.
More projects
The full exterior restoration of the historic Duchy of Cornwall office at 10 Buckingham Gate, SW1E.
London Architectural Stonemasonry restored the full facade of a Grade II-listed Victorian industrial building in SE1, completing stone repairs, brick repointing, and sash window conservation in just 10 weeks.
External refurbishment of a commercial building at 63 Pall Mall, Westminster, SW1Y. Full Portland stone repairs, structural steel treatment and facade cleaning.
Shopfront facade restoration, Stamford Hill, London N16. We stabilised bay windows, replaced corroded steels and restored stonework on a busy street for Hamways Ltd.
