Heritage Atrium Restoration-Martins Roofing Contractors Ltd
Preserving more than a Century of Royal Air Force Heritage.

Standing at 128 Picadilly in the heart of London. Overlooking green park, the Royal Air Force Club is one of the capitols most distinguished historic buildings and has served generations of Royal Air Force officers for more than a century.

The building dates from 1888, when it was constructed as part of a group of private mansions and designed by architect Adolphus Croft for Gillow & Co. Its Portland stone facade, elaborate architectural detailing and prominent position on Picadilly contributed to the building later being recognised for its special architectural and historic importance.

Today, 128 Piccadilly is protected as a grade 11 listed building. {Historic England}
For more than a 100-years, 128 piccadilly has remained at the heart of RAF life in London. It has welcomed serving retired officers through periods of enormous change, including the second world War, the post-war era and the development of the modern Royal Air Force.

The club has continued to invest in its historic home, carefully combining modern facilities with preservation of its heritage. Its centenary development was formally opened by Queen Elizabeth 11 in October 2018, during her tenure as the Clubs Patron. {RAF Club}

As part of the continuing conservation and maintenance of this remarkable property, Martins Roofing Contractors Ltd were entrusted with specialist restoration works to the historic atrium at the heart of the Royal Air Force Club.
Working on a Grade 11 listed building of this importance required considerably more than conventional roofing skills.

The project demanded specialist craftsmanship, careful planning and understanding that every intervention formed part of the continuing history of 128 Piccadilly.

The restoration incorporated specialist work using Code 5 milled lead, selected and installed to provide a traditional, durable finish appropriate to the heritage setting.
Existing Atrium rails were carefully encapsulated in code 5 lead, with individual sections formed and dressed by skilled operative to follow the existing profiles and architectural detailing.

These operations were undertaken under controlled Hot Works procedures, with permits in place before lead-burning operations commenced and appropriate fire-prevention measures maintained thought the works.

For Martins Roofing Contractors Ltd, the Royal Air Force Club atrium restoration represents the type of project where roofing becomes part of the conservation of Britains built heritage.

Martins Roofing Contractors Ltd are extremely proud to have contributed to that continuing story through the specialist restoration of the Royal Air Force Clubs historic atrium.