The Wallis Building

The brief comprised the refurbishment of the former headquarters of the GEC Organisation, a building originally designed by Wallis Gilbert & Partners. These contemporary architects were also responsible for the famous Hoover Building London and were well known for their ability to combine the art deco style of the era with functional industrial buildings. Factory buildings at the time were ugly and dull and the art deco movement, which came into force in the 1920s, provided a refreshing alternative. It symbolised the affluence for larger buildings. Although the Hoover building has been heralded by aficionados of art deco as one of the most striking examples, the GEC building has a style and elegance that, once repaired to its former glory, would become a monument to the past. Because of its status, the building has earned a Grade II listing, which meant that any subsequent regeneration work had to comply with strict conservation guidelines.