The iconic art deco Wallis Building in Birmingham may date back to 1920 but the structure is a true modern day example of how the innovative use of Colorcoat® pre-finished steel can ensure strict planning and conservation regulations are met.

Grade II listing presented unique refurbishment challenge

The building was originally the HQ of GEC and was designed by British architectural partnership Wallis, Gilbert and Partners, designers of many of the UK’s art deco buildings in the 1920s and 30s. Its architectural heritage may have secured the building Grade II listed status, but it presented architects Tweedale with unique challenges during the £6million refurbishment project.

Combining old with new in a strikingly beautiful and elegant way

In addition to the renovation of the interior into an open-plan, modern office – parts of which were kept in period style – the project involved the removal of the original factory buildings at the rear of the property which had been fire-damaged.

In place a new, 100,000sq ft high bay warehouse was installed, but to satisfy conservation guidelines it had to complement – not conflict – with the existing Wallis Building.

Art deco frontage

Colorcoat® provided the solution with the use of pre-finished steel cladding in carefully-selected colours, which would enhance the classic white, art deco frontage whilst also providing outstanding thermal performance and low air leakage to meet building regulations.

Goosewing Grey from the Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra® range was specified for the roof, with the walls clad in Metallic Silver, Mountain Blue and Bahama Blue from the Colorcoat range, which is specifically suited to wall cladding thanks to its thin profile.

Colorcoat® offers unrivalled corrosive resistance and colour retention, with the backing of the Colorcoat® unique Confidex® guarantee.

Integrating new with the old

The result isn’t just the perfect example of how new can be successfully integrated with old. Thanks to the expertise of Colorcoat® in how the use of colour can meet planning and conservation regulations, and the range of profiles and trims available in the Colorcoat® range, it’s a scheme which satisfies the strictest criteria in a strikingly beautiful and elegant way.