The Old War Office

A Magnificent Transformation Of London's Old War Office

Originally designed by British architect William Young, the transformation from former Old War Office into The OWO has been overseen by the award-winning EPR Architects. Schlüter-Systems supplied a comprehensive selection of waterproofing solutions.

Originally completed in 1906, the Grade II* listed Old War Office building in London has been closed to the public for more than a century. Arguably best known for being Winston Churchill’s headquarters during World War II, it’s also the location where Ian Fleming was inspired to write James Bond, with several Bond movies also filmed there. It’s now time for the next chapter in the history books of this landmark building, which was originally designed by British architect William Young and is now diligently updated by EPR Architects.

Our vision was to preserve the historical features of The OWO, whilst at the same time creating a contemporary design with modern-day innovations.

Geoff Hull, Director at EPR Architects

Behind the tiles: reliable waterproofing by Schlüter-Systems

The attention to detail and meticulous craftsmanship applied during the transformation required the use of reliable waterproofing materials behind the scenes. Tile and stone protection experts Schlüter-Systems supplied a comprehensive selection of waterproofing solutions.

The OWO Residences by Raffles are designed for grand living and entertaining. Each home is unique with its own distinct personality and style. Inadequate waterproofing in bathrooms and wetrooms can spell disaster so a combination of Schlüter products were chosen, including the waterproofed tile backerboard Schlüter-KERDI-BOARD, to ensure that the extraordinary interiors are protected for years to come. Using a complete waterproofing system from a single manufacturer offers total peace of mind as all of the components are designed to work together effectively.

An iconic building with new-age comfort

Solid stainless steel shower drains were chosen to continue the use of high-quality materials throughout the entire home. Schlüter-KERDI-LINE-D frameless linear drains allow the continuation of the covering material across the entire shower area surface to offer a near-invisible drainage aesthetic.

Ultimate comfort was provided with the use of Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT-E, the electric underfloor heating system that also has uncoupling properties, allowing the substrate and tile or stone covering to move independently of one another. The smart WiFi thermostat Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT-E-R-WIFI allows for ultimate control of the system, via the dedicated Schlüter-HEAT-CONTROL app.

Similar products were used for waterproofing and underfloor heating in London’s first Raffles hotel, both in the 120 bedrooms and suites as well as the spa area, ensuring The OWO remains part of British history for years to come.

The products featured in this reference:

KERDI-BOARD installation substrate in a bathroom with shower, vanity unit and niches

The innovative KERDI-BOARD backerboard can be used to create a waterproof, tileable substrate quickly and easily.

Floor construction in the bathroom with detailed view of the Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT electric heating system

Warm feet guaranteed: The Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT-E electric floor and wall heating system enables precision time control and rapid heating.

The system components are used to drain floor-level showers and custom vanity units intelligently, elegantly and durably.

These references may also interest you:

The JJ Mack Building is one of London’s most ambitious office buildings and features a variety of Schlüter products for waterproofing and tile protection in its bathrooms and changing areas.

East Quay is an eye-catching building in Somerset, which extends over several levels and comprises five residential units in the centre of numerous creative spaces. The project was commissioned by the Somerset-based social enterprise Onion Collective and led by architects George Williams and Owen Hughes Pearce.

A beautiful Tudor castle in the heart of Gloucestershire, the last of its kind to be built, has undertaken a renovation unlike any other to rejuvenise its heritage into a high-end luxury hotel and wedding venue.

For the renovation of this Irish neo-gothic hotel, Schlüter-Systems was initially engaged to provide a waterproofing solution, but eventually assisted on a greater scale with electric underfloor heating and acoustic matting.

The Broadway is a collection of luxury flats in the heart of Westminster and is one of the largest top-class residential properties in London. Besides a complete support package, Schlüter-Systems provided its entire product system to ensure that the highly specialised bathrooms, in which more than 22,000 tonnes of Italian marble were installed, were fully waterproofed.

In the heart of Somerset lies The Newt Hotel and Spa, a stunning country estate. Consisting of Hadspen House, The Farmyard and Barton Spa, each area plays host to a different setting, whether hotel rooms, a spa area or dining. Schlüter products were used across the three areas, ensuring the spaces could be enjoyed by guests for years to come.

The Petersham Hotel is situated in Richmond, Surrey and overlooks the River Thames. Tile and stone protection experts Schlüter-Systems were on hand to provide a level entry system solution for the bathroom of the Tower Suite, a stunning area of the hotel.

Schlüter-Systems supported Lilly Lewarne Architects in the design and specification of the Aqua Club, a stunning swimming and wellness centre with specialist waterproofing products at the Headland Hotel.

The project took a Grade II listed Georgian Manor house and converted it into a striking contemporary country house hotel with 21 guestrooms. As well as gourmet cuisine and luxurious yet subtle interiors, Lympstone Manor has pride of place overlooking the Exe estuary, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to the wildlife it supports.

The renovation of Raffles London at The OWO included the Raffles Hotel, several restaurants and bars, and luxury spa. To ensure the longevity of the hotel and spa Schlüter-Systems products were installed.

Salesroom with three people talking and Schlüter products displayed on both table and walls

Looking to purchase our products? You can do this through our distributors, stocklists and resellers across the United Kingdom and Ireland. Use our map to find your nearest.

A Magnificent Transformation Of London's Old War Office

Behind the tiles: reliable waterproofing by Schlüter-Systems

An iconic building with new-age comfort

The products featured in this reference:

Schlüter-KERDI-BOARD

Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT-E

Schlüter-KERDI-LINE

These references may also interest you:

The JJ Mack Building

East Quay Pods: new building with creatively designed accommodation

Thornbury Castle

Adare Manor

The Broadway: luxury flats in the heart of London

The Newt Hotel and Spa

The Petersham Hotel

Headland Hotel

Lympstone Manor

Raffles Hotel

Where to buy

Like, Follow, Watch