The Old War Office building in Whitehall, London, originally constructed between 1901 and 1906 in the Edwardian Baroque style by architect William Young, is an iconic symbol of Britain’s military heritage. It served as the British Army’s headquarters during both World Wars, shaping the nation’s history during times of conflict.
In collaboration with The Ardmore Group, EPR Architects, and Elliot Wood engineers, Evans by Shay Murtagh had undertaken a significant redevelopment project. This project aimed to revitalise the Old War Office into a Raffles Hotel, a cultural destination with 85 Raffles branded residences, 11 restaurants and bars, and an immersive spa.
Evans by Shay Murtagh was entrusted with designing, manufacturing, and installing 1070 precast concrete elements for the triangle courtyard façade, replicating the original Edwardian Baroque style. This meticulous process involved taking patterns from the original ornate details and creating bespoke moulds, as well as selecting a Portland stone mix that closely matched the original façade’s colour and texture.
Through a collaborative design process, the team ensured a fully coordinated 3D design, inclusive of precast concrete connections, fire, and thermal strategies.
The redevelopment project represents a harmonious blend of history and modernity, preserving the Old War Office’s heritage while using modern construction methods. It’s a testament to the dedication to maintaining the building’s historical integrity while transforming it into a vibrant and contemporary cultural destination within the City of Westminster.
“Evans by Shay Murtagh takes great pride in our collaboration with Ardmore Construction, EPR Architects, and Elliott Wood Engineers in supplying the Triangle Courtyard facade for the historic Old War Rooms building. This project represents a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, where our expertise in architectural precast concrete perfectly complemented the creative vision of EPR Architects.
Working closely with the project stakeholders, we navigated the intricate challenges of this endeavour to deliver a facade that seamlessly integrates modern methods of construction with the building’s rich heritage. The successful renovation of the Old War Rooms not only honours its historical significance but also revitalizes it as a symbol of architectural excellence and contemporary functionality.
Our collaboration on this project stands as a testament to the power of teamwork and shared dedication to achieving outstanding results. Evans by Shay Murtagh is honoured to have played a role in preserving and enhancing this iconic landmark, and we look forward to continuing our partnerships on future projects.” Stuart Murison, Evans Concrete Products
