Pitzhanger Manor

London

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Architect: Jestico + Whiles with Julian Harrap Architects

Client: National Trust

Project completion: 2016

 

After a three-year restoration, Pitzhanger Manor has been restored to its Soane-era splendour by Jestico + Whiles, together with heritage specialists Julian Harrap Architects.

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Built in 1804 as a country retreat for his family, Pitzhanger Manor was essentially John Soane's portfolio and architectural laboratory, detailing his talents to potential clients while housing his impressive collection of art and antiquities. Sadly, over the next two hundred years the house has undergone various adaptions and extensions with much of the 'Soanian'details of the Grade I-listed building being concealed by lesser Victorian and Edwardian additions.

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Working with the Pitzhanger Manor and Gallery Trust the design team have carefully researched Soane's architectural plans and drawings in various archives, as well as studying the fabric of the building itself. This culminated in the reinstatement of three key aspects of Soane's design; a conservatory overlooking Walpole Park, a striking rooflight over the centre of the building and a colonnade that would have linked the manor to a kitchen block. This required the bold step of removing a Victorian infill building and extensions deemed to detracted from the setting and prominence of the mansion. The 1939 library built over the kitchen has been retained and transformed into a contemporary gallery space.

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