Ayesa was announced as the Regional London and Southeast Conservation category winner at the RICS Awards 2024 amidst strong competition.

Ayesa is proud to announce that The Old Curiosity Shop, a Grade II* listed building has been named the Regional Winner for London and Southeast in the Heritage category of the esteemed RICS UK Awards 2024. These awards celebrate the most inspirational initiatives and developments in land, real estate, construction, and infrastructure. The Old Curiosity Shop, one of Britain's oldest surviving shops, has endured the Great Fire of London in 1666 and the World War II Blitz. This historic building is part of The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) Estate.

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• The project competed with other major heritage projects in London and Southeast to win the regional prize and will compete in the RICS finals in October 2024. Ayesa is currently ranked #44 in the World's top Engineering Design Firms.

Project Background

The Old Curiosity Shop is a historic, vernacular Grade II* timber-framed store located on the London School of Economics (LSE) campus. Made from old ship’s timber, this unique building survived the Great Fire of London in 1666 and the World War II Blitz. Situated at 13-14 Portsmouth Street, it features a tilted roof, overhanging upper floor, and Tudor gables, giving it a “Harry Potter” set-like appearance. The shop dates back to the 16th century, has a rich history, and holds a Grade II* Listed Status.

Originally part of the Duchess of Portsmouth’s estate, the building has served various purposes, including a dairy, a home, and a shop. In 1882, it was named after Charles Dickens’ story “The Old Curiosity Shop,” with many believing the building inspired his 1841 novel. In 2018, LSE bought the building as part of its campus expansion and committed to restoring it. LSE Estates hired Ayesa to oversee the restoration, working alongside LOM Architecture, Heritage England, the City of Westminster Conservation Officer, Sykes & Co., and Dolmen Conservation.

Ayesa's Role

Ayesa was appointed by LSE to manage the restoration of The Old Curiosity Shop. Beginning in 2021, the building faced numerous issues, including water damage, rotting timber, and a deteriorating roof.

?Ayesa’s responsibilities included overseeing and monitoring structural repairs, stabilisation, and refurbishing timber members. Collaborating with multiple stakeholders, including the City of Westminster Conservation Officer and Heritage England, Ayesa applied SPAB principles to supervise repairs using Oak and Douglas Fir to match the existing wood. The team managed the refurbishment of the sash window repairs to the shop front and fascia timber, and replacement of roof tiles with handmade Keymar tiles, along with lead and slate roofs.

Working closely with timber and conservation specialists, Ayesa ensured the shop retained its historical context while maintaining structural integrity. Traditional brick and render repairs were made to prevent water damage. Along with reconfigured cast iron hoppers and rainwater goods, the regraded pavement allowed the jettied top storey to drop rain directly on the pavement as it would have done when originally constructed.. Following extensive research, paint selection was guided by a late 19th-century colour scheme, with sign writing done by Sykes’ specialist decorators. The shopfront is completed with a cream upper section and green shopfront, reflecting its heritage.

Value Added

The restoration of The Old Curiosity Shop has been a remarkable success. Ayesa's meticulous attention to detail has breathed new life into this iconic building. The updated facade, featuring cream plaster and a green storefront, transports visitors back to a bygone era. This project has not only restored the structure but also emphasized its literary and historical significance in the London cityscape. The Old Curiosity Shop now serves as a tangible connection between Charles Dickens’ stories and real history, eagerly awaiting new visitors. LSE Estates plans to reintegrate the shop into active use, attracting more visitors and revitalizing the area.

Acknowledgments

Ayesa extends gratitude to RICS for this prestigious recognition and congratulates all other shortlisted projects for their exceptional work. Special thanks to Ayesa’s Conservation Accredited Engineers Technical Director Jeremy Foster , Sinclair Johnston , and the wider project team, including 英国伦敦政治经济学院 SYKES & SON (HOLDINGS) LIMITED DOLMEN CONSERVATION & JOINERY LIMITED Hutton + Rostron Environmental Investigations Ltd (A SOCOTEC Company)

View the project here: https://www.ayesa.com/en/projects/the-old-curiosity-shop/

Full Project Team:

Project Manager & Client: The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

Main Contractor: Sykes & Son Limited

Timberwork & Repairs: Dolmen Conservation & Joinery Limited

Structural Engineers: Ayesa

Architect: LOM Architecture and Design

Specialist Investigation Consultants: @Hutton + Rostron Environmental Investigations Ltd (A SOCOTEC Company)

Our Commitment to Conservation

Since 2021, our Conservation and Heritage team at Ayesa has been passionately restoring this Grade II* Listed building. Our commitment to collaboration, sustainability, and preserving both historical authenticity and structural integrity has been recognized by RICS . We extend our gratitude to RICS and congratulate all other shortlisted projects for their exceptional work.

We are immensely proud of our team's dedication and the recognition this project has received. Thank you to everyone involved for making this restoration a success and for preserving a piece of history for future generations

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