Michelin House, London

Built in 1910 for the Michelin Tyre Company this unusual building was clad in Burmantoft’s Marmo Faience.

Early use of Architectural Terracotta & Faience relied heavily on its similarity in appearance to natural stone. Not so here with the strong use of colour and form is far removed from anything that could be achieved in stone.

Designed by a French engineer, F Espinasse, the building is an advert itself. Michelin Man no longer sits high on the glass domes on the corner turrets but the building still bears his name ‘Bibendum’ and strong association with the tyres and motor products it sold.

Closed in 1985 the building had to find a new use, far removed from its original intent as a drive-in car repair centre.

Acquired for offices and a shop by Sir Terence Conran this new lease of life brought the need for restoration work. We were commissioned to carry out a condition survey and recommend remedial action.

Espinasse pioneered to use of reinforced concrete and it was believed that this was one of the first uses in London. Whilst this encouraged us to believe that the very common problem of damage caused by exfoliating steel might not be evident on this building investigation work proved otherwise. Vertical and horizontal steel members were found to exist which was the cause of cracked blocks.

Not only was the building restored to its former glory but additional enhancements were made to the property to reinforce its original use despite now being a prestigious store and restaurant.

If the building itself is a monument to Michelin the work carried out under the joint direction of YRM and Conran Roche, architects, is a monument to the best principles of conservation and restoration.