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Harrods
H.O.L and Lift Motor Room
What began in 1849 as a modest grocery run by Charles Henry Harrod had grown into Harrods, a vast retail landmark occupying more than a million square feet. Its Knightsbridge façade dazzled the street, but above the crowds and display windows lay a hidden world of roofs, plant rooms, and service structures, spaces essential to the store’s operation yet rarely seen by the public.
It was here, far from the perfume halls and food counters, that DBR carried out its work.
Client
Harrods Ltd
Dates
April 2014
—
January 2015
Location
London
Grade listing
Grade II*
Fabric
Terracotta
Repairing the Skyline of the Store
The project focused on roof-level elements including the HOL (Harrods Own Label) areas, a lift motor room, and a chimney. Years of exposure had taken their toll on terracotta facings and associated brickwork, requiring careful intervention to prevent further deterioration.
Sections of damaged terracotta were cut out and replaced, with adjoining brickwork repaired to restore both structural stability and visual continuity. The work demanded precision, as these materials formed part of the building’s distinctive architectural language even at height.
Restoring the Fabric Behind the Scenes
Alongside masonry repairs, DBR undertook metalwork restoration as well as leadwork and joinery tasks. These elements, though largely invisible from street level, were critical to the building’s performance, protecting against water ingress, maintaining structural integrity, and supporting the mechanical systems housed within.
Each repair contributed to the quiet functioning of a complex building that never truly closes.
Working Unseen Above a Constant Crowd
Perhaps the greatest challenge was not the materials but the environment. Harrods remained fully operational throughout, welcoming thousands of visitors each day. Works therefore had to be executed with meticulous logistical planning and a deliberately low-profile presence.
Access routes, deliveries, and working methods were carefully controlled to avoid disruption to customers and staff below.
Temporary Structures for a Permanent Institution
A significant component of the project involved designed temporary works. These structures enabled safe access to the roof areas while protecting both operatives and the building itself. DBR managed the design process, ensuring that all solutions met the complex requirements of working at height on a landmark structure.
Harrods’ iconic façade remained unchanged, still glittering by night and bustling by day, while essential roofscape elements were renewed above. By restoring this unseen architecture, DBR safeguarded the store’s seamless operation and preserved a London institution woven into the city’s cultural fabric.
