The fire damage reinstatement at Somerset House in London is complete, following the substantial damage suffered by the Grade I listed building in the summer of 2024. The project also incorporated energy efficiency improvements involving windows and insulation, requiring careful consideration of the building’s historic significance.
Edwards Hart Consultants supported the project team with specialist advice on drying out the structure and addressing technical and heritage issues. Its work included analysing heritage significance, developing options appraisals and preparing detailed, pragmatic heritage impact assessments. Edwards Hart also provided professional advice directly to the client, Somerset House Trust.
Professor John Edwards, Director and Head of Building Consultancy at Edwards Hart, said: “Somerset House illustrates the breadth of expertise our network brings to a project. Our contribution drew on building pathology, retrofit and heritage expertise to help the team make informed, practical decisions. It is this combination of knowledge and experience that clients seek from us.”
The project also reflects the practical experience that underpins the building pathology, retrofit and heritage courses delivered through ESC Learning by Professor Edwards.