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The Ritz Hotel
Repair Works
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The granite colonnade and Portland stone façade had long carried the weight of the building’s presence. Over time, however, corrosion within hidden steelwork began to force the stone apart, a condition often known as Regent Street Disease. Cracks widened, sections fractured, and the fabric of the façade quietly called for intervention.
Client
The Ritz Hotel
Location
London
Grade listing
Grade II
Fabric
Granite
Architects
Blair Architects
Cutting Back to Save the Whole
Large sections of failed granite were carefully cut out using wet-cutting equipment, allowing damaged material to be removed without placing further stress on the surrounding stone. As the masonry came away, corroded steel was revealed beneath. Rust was meticulously descaled, and the steel treated to halt further deterioration. Replacement granite was sourced from Norway, selected to match the original in both strength and appearance.
Stitching Strength Back In
Alongside stone replacement, steel fixings were repaired or renewed, and stitching rods were inserted to stabilise fractured areas. The scale of the work required large cutting machinery, supported by mechanical dust control, extraction systems, and protective measures to safeguard both operatives and the historic fabric during removal.
Details Higher Up
Further up the elevation, attention shifted to decorative Portland stone features around windows and balconies. Damaged elements were repaired or replaced with care, ensuring profiles and detailing remained consistent with the original design. Chimneys, leadwork, and drainage were also addressed, restoring performance to the building’s upper reaches.
A Façade Rebalanced
When the works were complete, the colonnade and façade stood secure once more. Beneath the surface, weakened steel had been stabilised; above it, stonework read as whole and uninterrupted. The building’s strength had been quietly restored, allowing its architecture to endure without revealing the complexity of what had taken place.
