The Fire Surgery was appointed to provide fire engineering services for Pitzhanger Manor House and Gallery located within Walpole Park in the London Borough of Ealing. The nationally important Grade-I-listed building, designed by Sir John Soane and George Dance the Younger, was sensitively restored and transformed into a world-class museum, winning multiple awards including a 2019 RIBA National Award. The changes include restoration of the manor house and entrance lodge; demolition of the Victorian eating room extension and nineteenth century infill; refurbishment of the gallery as exhibition space and central visitor facilities; construction of a new café and events building in the walled garden; and new hard and soft landscaping including a café terrace and restoration of the Regency forecourt area.

The fire strategy was developed with sensitivity toward the listed features of the building such as the original mahogany doors, single open grand staircase, and minimising, where possible, the fire escape signage in favour of a more managed approach. Being situated within Walpole Park, the fire-fighting access was challenging and a more bespoke solution was sought in collaboration with the Ealing Fire Brigade.

Client: London Borough of Ealing

Architect: Jestico +Whiles

Project Date/s: 2013-16

Project Value: £12M