Case Study: Cornwall Terrace, Regent’s Park
A Grade I stretch of Georgian London’s Cornwall Terrace overlooking Regent’s Park in London has undergone complete conversion, refurbishment and modernisation with the help of the Dartford branch of Stannah Lift Services – and eight bespoke passenger lifts and a Microlift service lift.
Royal overview
Comprising eight double-fronted ambassadorial residences, Cornwall Terrace forms a small section of the 19th century Regent’s Park masterplan designed by architect-of-the-day, John Nash, to fulfil the grand development dreams of the Prince Regent (later George IV).
Part of The Crown Estate and former headquarters of UK property investors, British Land, the site comprises a significant portion of the Terrace and covers an area of 88,000 square feet. Meticulous restoration and conversion to historically accurate residential use has created an octet of mansions ranging from 8,000 to 14,000 sq. ft. and marketing at prices up to and well over £60 million.
“We specified Stannah bespoke passenger lifts for their hydraulic drive, quiet, reliable performance, and customisable capability in keeping with the period décor. Following a trouble-free installation, the lifts are performing well and very much looking the part – the perfect people-moving solution for this upmarket development”
“Stannah has done an excellent job in delivering their product at the highest standard and right in line with the incredible finish of Cornwall Terrace.”
Transformed by experts
This neo-classical collection was fully restored by Falmouth Developments, part of the Oakmayne Group, with the support of main contractors, Laing O’Rourke, architects Paul Davis & Partners, Tate & Hindle, and Darling Associates, and leading London estate management services company, South Central Management.
Stannah goes Georgian
A bespoke Stannah 8-person passenger lift has been installed into each of the eight residences, with a Stannah Microlift in the largest property.
The bespoke passenger lifts
Installed early on in the development, and before being clad in their period finery, the passenger lifts performed a hard-working role assisting the builders in the safe movement of equipment and materials between all floors. The main people-moving criterion was smoothness of ride and operation. This was fulfilled by the ‘hydroelite’ integrated control and drive system, a unique, eco-friendly modernisation package which ensures that every ride is even and accurate. With the drive mechanisms housed remotely in the garages, all the passenger lifts save on space. From marble floors to half-height, dark wood panelling, antique-finish mirrors and suspended white ceilings with discreet lighting, the finished lifts deliver first class looks and performance.
The 50B Microlift
This discreet dumbwaiter features satin stainless steel car and doors. Very much a behind-the-scenes service lift, it provides discreet movement of food and diningware between the kitchen and dining areas ranged over the lower floors. All the lifts conform to the architectural constraints of Grade I listing, an identification stage applied by English Heritage to protect the top 2.5% of historic buildings in the UK.
How the contract was won
Laing O’Rourke – main contractor and largest, privately owned construction solutions provider in the UK – has used Stannah lift products on numerous projects and knew Stannah would deliver a first class product and service to match their project’s demanding specification.
Construction operations were sub-contracted to London-based estate management services company, South Central Management. Director, Jeremy Sutton, specified Stannah passenger lifts for their hydraulic drive, door operators, proven performance and, last but not least, their ability to be tailored to complement surroundings.
The deal was clinched by Dartford branch manager, Colin Payne, who gave a guided tour of former bespoke lift installations which “exceeded client expectations” – these being sky high in the first place as all the fixtures and fittings in Cornwall Terrace are exclusive commissions by artists and designers.
Dartford delivers silver service
The bespoke passenger lifts were individually designed by Stannah Lift Services, and all nine lift products were installed by the Dartford branch. Since handover in 2010, Dartford has been responsible for lift upkeep under a fully comprehensive maintenance contract.
Drawing on over 140 years of lift industry experience, Stannah Lift Services was able to fulfil Oakmayne’s demanding specification and contribute significantly to the comfort and convenience of the über-rich residents at this premier London address.