Wallis House is a well-known landmark to drivers
passing along the Great West Road approach to
London. The grade 2 listed building was one of a
number of grand Art Deco factories constructed in
the 1930s along a stretch of road once known as the
Golden Mile. By the1990s the building had sadly fallen
into dereliction and came close to being demolished.
Housebuilder Barratt West London rescued Wallis
House in 2003 and it now houses 110 apartments
and forms the centrepiece of Great West Quarter, a
12-acre regeneration scheme. Under the design by
Assael Architecture, low grade extensions and
modifications were stripped away to reveal the original
structure designed by Wallis, Gilbert & Partners. Once
the structure was revealed, a cathodic system was
installed to protect its steel frame. Stone and
brickwork were restored and cleaned, while polished
plaster was repaired by hand.
The architect worked closely with architectural heritage
group the 20th Century Society, the local conservation
officer, and local heritage groups to ensure that the
original building was not compromised by conversion.
Windows have been replaced with high performance
double-glazed replicas, but many other features have
been restored. The statue of a pilot on the central 10-
storey tower and the wrought iron railings have been
cleaned and restored. Curved towers at either end of
the building have been restored, and a new glazed
entrance foyer has been created as a contemporary
re-interpretation of the original, which was removed in
the 1960s. The foyer's double height space, curved
interior balconies, metal balustrading and polished
plaster capture the essence of the 1930s while
avoiding pastiche.
Apartments have been laid out to accommodate the
supporting pillars, angled walls and differing floor levels
of the old factory. That has resulted in a range of
highly individual homes. Apartments look out onto a
formal landscaped lavender garden.
When complete, Great West Quarter will contain 773
apartments, alongside restaurants, a bar, hotel, art
gallery and a central piazza. |
