Roof Lantern Replacement at 31 Granby Street, Leicester
Preserving a Victorian Masterpiece: The ISKCON Leicester Project
In the heart of Leicester city centre, the ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) Leicester building stands as a remarkable Grade II* listed treasure. This iconic structure, designed by the renowned architect Joseph Goddard, once served as the headquarters of the Leicestershire Banking Corporation. ISKCON has proudly owned this architectural gem for a decade.
A Preservation Imperative
However, the grandeur of this historic building faced a grave threat. The Centre found itself on the national Buildings at Risk Register, with its roof in a state of disrepair. Water had infiltrated the building, putting its historic interior decor at risk. Urgent measures were required to safeguard this architectural marvel.
A Lifeline from Heritage Funding
ISKCON Leicester secured a vital £750,000 grant, breathing life into the preservation effort. This generous funding would be channelled into critical work aimed at rescuing the roof of the Grade II* listed building. The urgency of the situation was undeniable.
Preserving History, One Pane at a Time
Our role in this project was instrumental. We installed 150m² of Heritage patent Glazing, a choice specified by the renowned Conservation Architect practice Donald Insall Associates. Their selection was not arbitrary; our unique roof glazing system is the sole authentic representation of Victorian roof glazing.
The project’s multi-tiered hipped structure posed challenges during the survey phase. Additionally, a dormer hatched door was integrated into the glazing design, adding another layer of complexity. However, our design expertise proved invaluable in overcoming these challenges.
Expert Craftsmanship and Timely Delivery
The installation phase was where our dedicated team truly shone. The installation team’s craftsmanship made light work of the project, delivering results within the constraints of a tight schedule.
Breathing New Life with Natural Ventilation
The attention to detail extended to providing automatic opening ventilators in the roof void, located between the glazed lantern and internal laylight. This addition was essential because of the maintenance area within the void. Natural ventilation was a critical component to facilitate any future maintenance work.
Result: A Restored Gem
The ISKCON Leicester project exemplifies the power of dedicated restoration efforts and the support of heritage funding. This case study underscores our commitment to preserving architectural treasures while enhancing sustainability and functionality.
With the roof glazing replacement complete, the ISKCON Leicester building stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Victorian architecture. It now continues to inspire and serve as an invaluable part of Leicester’s historical and architectural landscape.
Testimonial ~ Geoff Beetham, Director at Lang Conservation
“Standard Patent Glazing’s contribution to the ISKCON Leicester project played an indispensable role in preserving a Grade II* listed architectural masterpiece.
Standard Patent Glazing’s expertise shone brightly during this conservation project. They installed 150m² of Heritage patent glazing, a choice specified by the renowned Conservation Architect practice, Donald Insall Associates. This unique glazing system is the sole authentic representation of Victorian roof glazing, making it the ideal solution for the restoration. The project’s complex, multi-tiered hipped structure and the integration of a dormer hatched door were challenges that Standard Patent Glazing’s design expertise successfully addressed.
The installation phase demonstrated the company’s dedication to craftsmanship and timely delivery. They efficiently completed the project within tight constraints, ensuring the ISKCON Leicester building could once again stand as a testament to Victorian architecture’s enduring appeal.”
