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According to Avanti Architects,
the measures required to restore the building included "the
requisite remedial structural measures and comprehensive rehabilitation
of the reinforced concrete fabric; replacement of asphalt
waterproof coverings and upgrading of insulation values; renewal
of wall/ceiling/floor finishes,
windows and doors; refurbishment of light metalwork elements
and fitted joinery and complete renewal of services."
Basically every surface and subsurface needed some attention
in order to end up with a building not only true
to the original but also one that responds to today's
needs and can meet future demands. To address this, new services
(including concealed boilers) were installed with new appliances
in the kitchens and bathrooms.
The Isobar had already been converted into penthouse flats
and these were also upgraded. In all, 25 flats follow the
old layout to preserve some historical continuity and "the
salon environment of community living." These will be
sold to key workers (nurses, police officers, fire fighters,
social workers, teachers, etc.) with eleven further units
including Pritchard's -- complete with original
fittings -- being sold on the open market to help cover
construction costs. |
