Located in the heart of Whitehall, The OWO project is a masterful transformation of the historic Old War Office into a luxurious Raffles hotel and residences. As the main contractor on the project, we have overseen the restoration, extension and transformation of the former Palace of Whitehall, which was Winston Churchill’s base during World War II, into the 120-key 5-star Raffles OWO hotel, as well as 85 super-prime residences, nine restaurants and bars, amenity offerings, and destination Guerlain spa and health club including a 20m pool.
This Grade II* listed building, originally completed in 1906, once served as the headquarters for prominent figures like Winston Churchill during World War II. The redevelopment preserves the building’s rich history while integrating modern luxury amenities.
Restoration & Expansion
Increasing the GIA of the original building by over 30% – from 580,000 sqft to 760,000 sqft – required significant structural interventions, including doubling the height of the original building from 7 to 14-storeys. A four-storey basement extension, constructed ‘top down’ beneath the existing building, provides a total of six below ground levels, while a three storey roof extension provides additional internal area.
Engineering Challenges
Complex engineering solutions were required to preserve the historic fabric while modernising the building and the constricted site created challenges for construction sequencing and phasing of the temporary works. To support the new basement levels, a top-down approach was taken, using concrete plunge columns to form the permanent structure and avoiding excessive new foundation work and eliminating huge amounts of temporary works. Over 700,000 cubic ft of muckaway was excavated using mole holes within each of the building’s two existing courtyards.
Historical Integrity
The façade restoration was a meticulous process, involving the careful cleaning, repair, and replacement of stonework to ensure a seamless blend of old and new. Ornamental elements such as balustrades and capitals were restored or recreated with painstaking attention to detail.
Raffles Hotel
The 120-key Raffles hotel, designed by the late Thierry Despont, offers a blend of historic charm and modern luxury. Highlights include the Whitehall Ballroom, London’s largest at nearly 700 sqm with seven-meter-high ceilings, and a collection of heritage suites, including the Haldane Suite, once Winston Churchill’s office. Each suite is uniquely designed to reflect the building’s storied past.
Residences
The 85 residences, designed by Studio 1508, each offer a unique layout and style, reflecting the building’s complexity. With ceiling heights up to 14.4 feet and features such as oak panelling and mosaic flooring, these homes blend historic elements with modern luxury. Custom kitchens by Smallbone of Devizes and luxurious bathrooms enhance the sophisticated, timeless design.
The OWO project stands as a testament to the careful balance of preserving historical integrity while creating a modern, luxurious destination. With its blend of meticulously restored heritage features and state-of-the-art amenities, The OWO Raffles Hotel & Residences secures the future of this iconic London building for generations to come.
