The Restoration Project
Project milestones
Exterior
Interior
Under the management of Bleier Estates Ltd, the project aim was to restore the original magnificence of Alma-Tadema's residence, returning the structural layout of the building to its original standing as a single dwelling. The project would involve the careful demolition of many structures both internal and external. Left as it stood, the property would remain on the English Heritage 'Buildings at Risk' Register as a Grade II Listed building situated within a conservation area.
What the Project Involved
44 Grove End Road, 2003
Converted to a multi-apartment building in the mid-twentieth century, the structure and layout of 44 Grove End Road had changed considerably from its original design. The restoration project would return the floor plans to their original standing, restoring many original features of the building, both internal and external that were either lost or buried beneath the construction work of the previous century.
However, while the intention was primarily to return the house to as close to the Alma-Tadema form as possible, the project would also seek to introduce some very modern features, thus bringing improvements in both form and function. A summary of these aspects are presented thus:
Restoring the Old: Features Lost or Buried during the 20th Century
Either covered or lost in the 20th century conversion to apartments, many features of 44 Grove End Road would be repaired, reinstated or recreated as new. Some of the these features, particularly the roof, would involve undertaking many months of painstaking work. A summary of several such aspects of the project are summarised below.
- Reinstating the Original Floorplans
- The layout would be returned to a form close to the orignal form.
- Alma-Tadema's Studio
- Triple height and with a striking vaulted ceiling, the studio would be reinstated, having been split into several floors.
- The Glasswork
- A first example of double glazing, the magnificently sized windows of the studio would be completely refurbished.
- The Main Entrance Colonnade
- Badly damaged by age and weather, the once grand entrance colonnade would be recreated.
- Original Features
- Original features including a bronze door surround and distinctive weather vane would be restored.
- Lead, Copper and Ironwork
- Including the complete re-surfacing of the roofing in lead, and the restoration of copper tilework.
Incorporating the New: Features that Reflect the Modern Climate
Running alongside the project to restore the property to its original form, additional work has also been completed to provide very modern features to the building. Below is a summary of some of this work.
Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) Works
A sophisticated M&E (mechanical and electrical) system provides instant control of lighting, heating, security and entertainment from key points within the building. Built for maximum scalability, this feature of the property can be readily expanded at the end-users discretion.
Scene setting and environment control
Accessed by Crestron™ touch screen control panels affixed to room walls, the M&E system provides the ability to pre-program a suite of functions to allow user-defined ‘scene’ based environmental control within any area of the building.
Using the Lutron™ system, each defined scene can include automatic adjustment of the lighting intensity, blinds, music and temperature of any given area with the touch of a button.
Security
The main gate to the property is electronically operated and accessible through the Crestron™ system, along with central intruder and fire alarms. Camera points have been installed across the perimeter of the property to facilitate additional surveillance, and these can also be integrated into Crestron™, providing a fully centralised security package.
A separate service entrance provides access for meter readings, waste disposal and deliveries without requiring access to the main grounds of the property.
Lifts
Facilities are in place for the future development of both a passenger lift (servicing three floors) and a food hoist (linking the main basement kitchen to a servery adjacent to the main dining room).
Disabilities
Both wheelchair access to the property, and disabled wash facilities have been installed as part of the re-development programme.
