Beckford’s Tower in Bath is one of only eight UK projects to win at the prestigious Georgian Group Architectural Awards, which celebrates exemplary conservation of Georgian heritage.
The tower won the Restoration of a Georgian Building in a Landscape award at the ceremony held on November 4 at Inner Temple, Central London.
The small Beckford’s Tower team embarked on a sensitive yet ambitious ‘Our Tower’ project, which restored the tower and incorporated solar panels and air source heat pumps into the building.
Built in 1826-27 for William Beckford, the Grade I listed tower was structurally secured during a project that took place in the late 20th century.
Despite the works, historic design faults meant that water continued to penetrate the lantern structure, failing windows made controlling the internal environment impossible, and only basic spaces and services were available to the museum.
The latest project to restore the historic tower cost in the region of £3.9 million and was funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund among others.
Clive England and Sophia Robson were the architects for the restoration scheme.
Anya Lucas, director of The Georgian Group, said: “The Georgian period gave us many of Britain’s most beautiful buildings; architecturally-speaking, the era introduced order, proportion and harmony inspired by classical antiquity and planned urban ensembles such as crescents, terraces and squares. […]
“Our Architectural Awards – now in their 21st year – provide such a positive and hopeful counterpoint to the threats to built heritage we at The Georgian Group see on a daily basis.
“The Awards also provide inspiration and encouragement to those embarking on restoration projects. It was a privilege to visit the shortlisted projects and our huge congratulations go to this year’s winners”.
Crispin Holborow, of Savills Private Office and member of the judging panel, said: “Georgian architecture is hugely valued by many of our clients.
“Its guiding principles work just as well for how we live today, and I have seen some wonderful examples during my past 20 years as a judge.
“It is an honour to return as sponsors of the Georgian Group Architectural Awards this year and to support the charity’s mission to protect and promote buildings and designed landscapes of the period.”
Image: Casper Farrell
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