The United Kingdom is home to some of the best examples of architectural Ironmongery in the world. With a whole host of properties that date back centuries – as well as its fair share of new and extremely modern builds – a unique approach is required almost every time, and the results are always equally as stunning.
Let’s explore some of these examples further…
Defence and national rehabilitation centre in Loughborough
The adaptation of the Stanford Hall Estate into a military rehabilitation centre has required imaginative master planning and the resourceful use of existing buildings, something that John Simpson Architects has extensive experience in doing.
The ironmongery package provided to DNRC is incredibly varied and included specialist fittings to the original Stanford Hall building, as well as durable products for the new-build officer accommodation departments.
High-grade Polished Brass products were supplied to stay in keeping with the historical context of the building. However, Grade 316 Stainless steel was also provided for the new-build areas to give maximum durability and longevity in high-traffic areas.
Victory House Hotel in Leicester Square
Designer Michaelis Boyd was the creator behind the fantastic Victory House Hotel. This hotel is loaded with subtle cinematic influences and an Art Deco style that harks back to vintage west end theatres – the end result is more than worthy of its prestigious position in Leicester Square.
In order to provide a comprehensive ironmongery package, everything had to be considered to ensure a perfect match and a clear and consistent theme throughout.
The majority of the supplied architectural hardware was chosen from the renowned Gio Ponti range. However, delivering the cherry on top was the design of bespoke pull handles for the main entrance doors, completing the cohesive, highly stylish theme running throughout the property.
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Kensington Palace in London
In 2008, there was an architectural competition to design a master plan that would transform Kensington Palace. The winning architects created a new entrance and approach from Kensington Gardens, a new extension providing visitor facilities such as a cafe and shop, a lift inserted into the historic core of the Palace to provide level access, and a visitor orientation hub from which narrative routes and exhibition spaces would lead.
The architectural hardware presented was sympathetic to the existing ironmongery at the palace, requiring a specialist approach to ensure that the hardware mimicked what is already there perfectly.
Handel & Hendrix
Handel & Hendrix in London is a museum dedicated to two musicians who lived in the same London street and changed music, separated only by a wall… and 200 years.
This project was incredibly high profile, with the restoration of Handel’s house and the later refurbishment of the Hendrix flat being possible only due to the award of Heritage Lottery Fund grants.
Unsurprisingly, the specification for the architectural hardware on this project was extremely important. In the end, the chosen ironmongery featured designs and materials typical of the Georgian period in which the properties on Brook Street were constructed.
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University Arms Hotel in Cambridge
When it came to the transformation of the beautiful University Arms Hotel in Cambridge the overall aim was to refurbish the disparate buildings that the hotel currently comprises into a cohesively designed, landmark hotel with a timeless appeal.
The ironmongery provided to UAH Cambridge was a comprehensive package for the front of house guest areas and also to the back of house staff areas. Products for this project were designed to be robust and durable, with the ability to withstand the high-usage expected.
The specialist inclusion of concealed automatic door operation for the main entrance to the hotel topped off a fantastic project.
The Laslett Hotel in Notting Hill
Named after Rhaune Laslett, the local activist who organised the original festival that would one day become Notting Hill Carnival, The Laslett Hotel offers a modern home away from home.
With 51 guest rooms and suites, as well as The Henderson Bar and Coffee Shop, library and boutique store on the ground floor, the challenge of selecting the perfect ironmongery for the project was great.
When you couple the eclectic styling from renowned studio Waldo Works with the elegant and classy range of ironmongery delivered, you get an interior design that is quintessentially British.
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Lady Margaret Hall in Oxford
Having opened in 1878, Lady Margaret Hall was the first women’s college at the prestigious University of Oxford. Architects were commissioned to design a master plan for the enlargement of this beautiful building in order to provide new facilities for students.
The brief with regards to the hardware was to provide a highly detailed specification of ironmongery that completed the building’s original features and that was also sufficiently durable to cope with the demands of every-day university usage.
Mintel House
When the world’s leading market intelligence agency, Mintel, acquired a refurbished satellite premises in Playhouse Yard, an overhaul was required to transform the project. Under the direction of Suzanne Brewer, a vibrant and contemporary look emerged, reflecting the company’s progressive and creative culture.
The door furniture and other architectural ironmongery selected for this project was taken from the modern Hoxton collection, which is renowned for its longevity.
Peterhouse in Cambridge
Comprised of several Grade I and Grade II listed historic buildings dating back to 1286, Peterhouse is the oldest college at The University of Cambridge and is characterised by several three-sided courts with a screen wall enclosing a fourth side.
With a new building facing into the court, the challenge was to create a specification of ironmongery that adhered to the original features of the building whilst also being able to cope with the requirements of a busy university.
Science Museum
The Science Museum’s interactive gallery, Wonderlab, provides an immersive experience of scientific discovery.
With such a unique project it was crucial that, when it came to the ironmongery package, something special would be delivered.
Meeting the fantastic design requirements laid out by Muf Architecture as well as the strict requirements of Accessibility and Building Control for a Public Space was the main aim – and it was undoubtedly met to stunning effect.
Do you require architectural ironmongery for your project? Get in touch!
Speak to our experienced team on +44 (0)1959 577342 or sales@strada.uk.com, we’re always on hand to discuss your requirements.
About the author:
This article was written by Darryl Woodcock, Sales Director at Strada London Ironmongery since 2014.
With comprehensive product knowledge and creative vision, Darryl is an invaluable asset to Strada and continues to secure contracts from larger clients as well as overseeing the R&D department.
