Reviving Fitzroy Square: Craftsmanship at the Heart of London

At London Building Contractors, we had the privilege of working on a remarkable project: the Fitzroy Square Victorian Grade II Listed Building. Located in the heart of London, this project was an exceptional opportunity for us to showcase our dedication to preserving and enhancing historic architecture.

Roofing Works: Restoring Heritage with Precision

The roofing works were a crucial part of this project. We undertook a complete overhaul to restore and maintain the building’s heritage status:

• Complete Roof Stripping: To address and prevent future defects, our team meticulously stripped the roof. This process included a thorough inspection, replacing rotten timber structures, and reinforcing weak joists and rafter cross-sections.
• New Insulation System: We installed a modern insulation system while carefully preserving the original roof slope. This approach ensures the building remains energy-efficient without compromising its historic character.
• Valley Gutter Improvement: We improved the entire valley gutter arrangement, incorporating new roof boards, battens, and other essential components.
• Welsh Slates Installation: New Welsh slates were fitted with a 77mm head lap, secured with broad-shanked copper or stainless steel nails with a minimum head diameter of 10mm.
• Leadworks: All leadworks were carried out to a 25-year guarantee standard. We used rolled lead sheet code 4 roofing flashing, installed according to BSEN 12588 and BS 6915 standards, and treated the lead with patination oil to ensure long-lasting durability.

Dormer Restoration: Precision and Quality

The dormer area required meticulous attention:

• Code 6 Lead Covering: We covered the dormer with code 6 lead, featuring panel widths up to 600mm with vertical welts and side gutters.
• Top Installation: Wood rolls and 75-100mm turned downs were used at edges, with the back gutter and tilting fillet extending a minimum of 150mm up the roof slope.

Internal Works: Comprehensive Renovation and Restoration

The internal works were extensive, involving the renovation and restoration of 17 rooms:

• Structural Support: Added internal structural support where necessary, reinforcing each room to ensure stability.
• Partition Walls: Constructed new soundproof and fire-rated partition walls, offsetting timber to accommodate soundproof and fire-rated plasterboard. This process ensured straight, well-angled partition walls and ceilings.
• High-Quality Insulation: Used to improve acoustic performance and fire resistance, followed by meticulous masking, rendering, and painting.

Modern Enhancements: Combining Functionality and Aesthetics

In addition to the restoration work, we also introduced several modern enhancements:

• Bespoke WC and Kitchen Fittings: Installed new, custom-designed WC and kitchen fittings tailored to the building’s character.
• Flooring and Carpeting: Added new floorboards, elegant tiling, underlayment, and plush carpeting.
• New Staircase: Constructed a new staircase that complements the building’s historic charm.
• Window Restoration: Restored and repaired the window woodwork, preserving the building’s original aesthetic.

The Fitzroy Square project exemplifies our commitment to blending modern techniques with traditional craftsmanship. We take pride in contributing to the preservation of London’s architectural heritage and look forward to discussing how we can assist with your next project. Contact us for more information on our services.