Arundel House
| Project name: | Arundel House |
| Client: | The International Institute for Strategic Studies |
| Business(s): | Construction |
| Sector(s): | Education, Commercial Property |
| Location: | London |
| Type of contract: | Single Stage Traditional |
| Contract value: | £8 million |
| Duration: | March 1999 - August 2000 |
| Contact email: | construction@osborne.co.uk |
Osborne was asked to create a modern, high specification headquarters facility while retaining the character of the original 19th century building. Arundel House with its military tradition is an important visitor attraction for the country.
The ornate façade and 50% of the original building had to be retained and underwent an extensive ‘cut and carve’. The roof was removed and an extension was added to the rear of the building comprising a basement and six floors.
During excavation in the basement, sections of Tudor, Medieval and Saxon river walls and walkways were revealed, as well as Neolithic timbers. These could have had a major impact on programme and cost. Osborne developed a very close, harmonious relationship with English Heritage’s archaeologist to devise a protection system using sand, geotextile membrane, boarding and a concrete capping before reconstruction began.
The completed building was warmly received by the client and its employees, with one commenting: “Comparing the before and after, you would be hard-pressed to notice the join.”