Historic Building Restoration

For many people, the term “historic” means “old.” Old things may not be worth any trouble. However, there is a saying: “Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.” For contractors, there are lots of valuable, practical and cultural reasons for historic building restoration. And, preservation. Historic buildings are a part of your city’s history and heritage. They can offer opportunities for the future growth of your society.

Historical buildings are made with durable and long-lasting materials. The materials make them a considerable investment. Also, they often have a specific kind of craftsmanship and architectural design. The designs cannot be duplicated. Perhaps you deal with historic buildings. Maybe you need more knowledge on mansory and brick restoration, reading through this would help you a great deal.

Approaches To Handling Historic Properties

There are set standards on how you can treat historic properties. Treating them well will maximize their benefits. There are four approaches to managing landmark buildings. They are rehabilitation, reconstruction, preservation, and restoration. We present these approaches from the least, to the most intervention.

  • Rehabilitation

Rehabilitating a historic building acknowledges the requirement to add or alter the property. This is so it meets its changing or continuing uses. At the same time, it should retain its historic character. This is a simplified approach to treating historic buildings. And, there are flexible standards regarding the rehabilitation of historic properties at the local, state and federal level.

  • Reconstruction

This approach recreates the non-surviving or vanishing aspects of the historic building. Reconstructing these aspects are for interpretative objectives. Their restoration does not mean the total change of the broken artifacts or their disposal. It means remolding them but sustaining their former significance.

  • Preservation

Preservation of historic buildings focuses on maintaining their stabilization. It also involves the repair of their existing historic equipment. Preserving historic properties means its retention in property form as it evolves.

  • Restoration

Restoration of a historical building depicts that the property is in existence at a precise time in its history. Consequently, the evidence of it being available in other previous times are removed. It may be that some aspects of the building have lost their heritage. Restoring the building brings back such significance.

Benefits Of Historical Building Restoration

historic building

  • Restoring Buildings Strengthens Communities

Restoration of historic buildings is assets to your community. In some cities, reconstruction can look absurd if the historic buildings are constructed in the middle of an ancient society. This can make it challenging to rent out or sell the reconstructed property. The Advisory Council for Historic Preservation asserts that home values within a historical environment rise faster. These values are more prominent there than in modern areas. Hence, buyers will be willing to pay a premium for buildings in historic districts.

  • Historic Buildings Are Culturally Rich

A community is said to be rich in culture when it has a substantial appearance of historical eras. Even the residents are prideful of their community’s history. Instead of demolishing your historical buildings, their restoration and rehabilitation will give a positive effect on your neighborhood.

  • Historical Buildings Are Visually Appealing

Restoration of historic buildings does not only present opportunities for money saving. This is because preserving the building materials is a responsible way to invest in visual appeals. Also, historic building restoration preserves natural resources. It provides you with attractive and usable buildings on developed lands. It is beneficial to contractors as it gives them existing elements of architectural history that cannot be duplicated. As a centre of attraction for tourism, you can benefit some revenue from historical buildings.

  • Historic Buildings Are Unique

Restoration of historical buildings safeguards their uniqueness. So much that it is difficult to find another building similar to the old ones, or with the same significance. When visitors enter historic buildings, they experience a nostalgic feeling each time which no other kind of structure can provide. Thus, every landmark building is unique in itself.

Dangers Of Not Restoring Historic Buildings

As stated earlier, the restoration of historic buildings gives them intrinsic value. They are assets to the communities in which they exist, as well as to the residents of such communities. Tearing down an ancient building is not a great move. You never can tell exactly what you are destroying in it. Some of these buildings are of a particular era, and they constitute rare materials such as heart pine or hardwood. These materials are got from old-growth forests which may not exist any longer.

Destroying the historic building can lead to damaging elements of history that you can never retrieve. Apart from this consequence, you may lose the opportunity to use the building as a historic landmark which serves as its selling point. The potential buyers would like to know the history of the buildings they want to move into. This is because the foundational history of the building contributes to the personality of such a building. Historical restoration aims to keep the identity and character of the building intact, to attract not only but also tourists and foreigners to the building.

How Does Historic Building Restoration Work?

The restoration of a historic building is usually done with a doff cleaning system. Using high-pressure steam, the doff system involves cleaning all kinds of mansory, concrete, and stonework. The temperature is high, but the volume of water is low. When this is used with gentle pressure, it easily removes grime, dirt, and debris on the building.

The doff cleaning system is compatible with historic buildings during restoration. The cleaning machines refrain the quantity of water required. Every drop goes to coursing the structures without any waste. Besides the minimal energy needed to operate and the lack of caustic or harmful chemicals required, the doff steam cleaners provide a low carbon footprint. This is a high selling point for people who deal with large historic buildings and wish to remain and contribute to a neater environment.

Due to the low pressure of this method, the surface of the structure or building does not become saturated with moisture. And, when the temperature is on an average level, the exterior of the building can dry within minutes. This, therefore, is perfect for historic properties or structures which are constructed with unusual, potentially delicate materials. The materials require a more sensitive touch.

Many masonry and brick managers rely on the doff cleaning system to terminate algae, fungi, and moss. This is due to the elimination of live and visible spores. Hidden spores are killed too. This method prevents the regrowth of these organisms. Thereby, it keeps the surfaces clean for several years. The doff cleaning system eliminates the requirement of a chemical biocide for protection against unwanted biological activities.

Other Uses Of The Doff Cleaning System In Historic Building Restoration

Cleaning with the doff system is exceptionally versatile. It is useful in removing many common and hard blemishes and stains. They include:

  • Removing wax coatings
  • Removing paint coatings
  • Remove paint from brick
  • Destroying bird fouling or unsightly vermin
  • Removing certain kinds of graffiti

Listed Building Restoration

The success of your restoration project, especially when it involves listed buildings, depends solely on the experience and skills of the workers you employ for it. If your building is listed, the entire structure will be protected. It includes internal features. This means that any restoration will require consent for the listed building. The planning period is initially critical. It will distinguish between the merely adequate and perfect result.

Who To Employ For Your Listed Building Restorations

At the least, you should hire an architect for your listed building to bring restoration ideas. Then you need a structural engineer. The engineer should advise you on the best way to achieve those ideas. Also, you need reputable consultants. They will ensure that your listed building restoration project conforms to the instructions of planners. And, it will be acceptable to listed building officials.

How To Get A Listed Building Restoration Consent

Getting a listed building consent to validate your restoration process is obtainable. This is possible when you submit your application to the council. However, if you plan to work on both the exterior and interior parts of the building, you will also need to tender an application. The application is for planning permission. Although, the controls of listed buildings take precedence. You may also need to reconsider your restoration project if the listed building situates in a conservation area.

Being the owner of a listed building does not mean that you are prevented from creating an exemplary space. Space which perfectly harmonises with its historical context. That is, before the original listing. Find a company that will help you achieve this restoration. Your contractor and local conservation team should assist you. They should design your whole building without compromising the unique features of such a structure.

At Basildon Stone, we are competent in historic building restorations. Also, in stone conservations, repairs, cleaning, and protection. We employ a vast range of techniques. We aim to attain the required and appropriate solution to problems affecting your old buildings. Our consultants give accurate advice on the proposed restoration project of your building. Preserving the originality of your historic building is our utmost interest!

historic building restoration infographic

How to Stop Mould from Growing on Brick in 2020

Probably you have been struggling to remove mould from your brick walls for years. Well, this article offers you the details on how to eliminate the problem for good in 2020.

Why Is It Necessary To Stop Mould From Growing On Brick?

Mould is a single organism that comprises of various cellular fungal filaments. It is likely to thrive in humid surroundings and tends to spread quickly since its pores are easily carried by the air flow. There are more than 100,000 harmful mould species.

Notably, mould growth starts inside cracks and crawl spaces before it is seen with naked eyes. It is for this reason that many home owners take time before seeking for assistance. The first sign of its growth is a persistent musty smell. The walls may also feel wet and soft to a touch. Stains are likely to be seen in its area of growth as well.

Brick mould
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After identifying the source of moisture and making the necessary changes, the mould will seem to disappear. Even so, the spores may remain dormant and will be reactive when the right conditions are availed. The dormant mould still produces a dreadful smell.

It is also worth noting that mould can be found in newly built homes. A majority of people opine the issue is only present in old buildings. They are hence not cautious enough to check for the signs in newly built spaces. This is explained by the fact that the building materials may have been stored in humid places. It also prevails when proper protection of the materials from rain is overlooked during the construction process.

Stopping the growth of mould is vital because:

  • It Causes At Least 30 Health Complications

There are numerous health issues caused by the presence of mould in your home including asthma, allergies, cognitive issues, and common colds among others. Some of the symptoms include sneezing, skin rashes, sinus, and headaches. You will spend a lot of money treating these conditions, and have poor quality of life if mould is not stopped from growing in your space.

  • It Creates an Unappealing Look in Homes

Even after using modern and sophisticated materials to build a home, the presence of mould ushers in an unsightly look. You will be embarrassed to invite guests to spaces such as the kitchen and bathroom. The spores will quickly spread to other areas when the conditions become perfect for its growth. A little spot on the brick that you ignored initially will soon become a big issue worth spending a lot of time and effort.

  • It Is Destructive To Your Bricks

When left on your bricks for long, the spores will start to destroy the material in a way that you may need to do costly renovations. The carpets and upholstery must be replaced.

Want Tips to remove mould?
remove mould from brickwork

To stop mould from growing in your home, you should:

1. Call the Professionals

Many people try to stop mould’s growth using DIY methods including the use of bleaches and household cleaners. Nonetheless, they overlook the fact that it may be difficult to solve the issue amicably without identifying the hidden and dormant spores. The professionals have the skills and equipment to achieve this effortlessly. They will hence recommend the right way forward.

2. Control the Moisture in Your Home

One of the things that the professionals will tell you is that moisture control is the most important steps of stopping the growth of mould. This necessitates that a proper assessment is done to identify areas where water leakages are taking place in your home. The most obvious areas to check are the bathroom and kitchen. The exterior space must also be evaluated, since it is exposed to humid conditions.

he use of dehumidifiers can also help you to control moisture effectively. You should also keep your bathroom and kitchen spaces closed tightly. Also, open your windows when cooking to prevent the accumulation of humidity. Further, always call the professional builders if the mould is caused by a rise of a damp. They will use a damp proof to create a barrier.

More so, you must use an extractor fan for ventilation purposes when taking showers and cooking. It is also important to maintain your HVAC system in good shape.

3. Take the Necessary Precaution and Steps When Removing Mould on Dry Walls

Remarkably, it is possible for mould to grow on dry brick walls. The process can be complicated given that mould tends to not only grow on the surface, but also inside the pores. This is because the wall is penetrable. In some instances, the professionals will advise you to remove or replace the part of the affected wall. This is particularly true when the mould has spread to a large area. Otherwise, the experts will opt to remove the mouldy insulation.
Inspection holes are cut on the wall to check for moulds inside the brick walls. A mirror and a flashlight will hence be used to identify the spores. Safety gears must be worn to protect the inspector from exposure to the spores. The affected materials must be sealed inside a plastic bag when being disposed of away from your home.

4. Use Products to Inhibit the Growth of Moulds

Even before your walls show signs of mould infestation, you may want to take precautionary measures by using products that inhibit the growth. This is inclusive of zinc strip and sealers that keep walls extremely dry. You can order for the products online. However, you must do proper research to ascertain that you are getting value for your money. It will pay to request the experts to explain the working mechanism of the product before sealing the deal.

5. Embrace Temporary Solutions to Kill Existing Mould

Initially, the professionals will utilize temporary solutions to kill the existing mould. It is inclusive of using products such as:

Hydrogen peroxide. The product helps kill the mould and eliminate the stain. The concentration should not exceed 10% to avoid damage to surfaces.

Chlorine bleach. The chemical is harsh enough to kill the mould. It must, however, be diluted because it produces toxic fumes.

Borax and baking soda. The products have high levels of pH, which help inhibit the growth of mould and other organisms.

White vinegar. The acidic nature of the vinegar breaks down the mould’s structure. Even so, it does not remove the stains.

Since the products only provide temporary solutions, the experts will combine them with other preventative measures to stop the growth of mould completely.

6. Repair Brick Walls

While brick walls seem strong enough to withstand all signs of wear and tear, they get damaged over time. Issues such as changes in temperature cause an expansion and contraction of the walls. The mortar may also deteriorate with time. This leads to an accumulation of moisture in the cracked spaces. Mould will grow if you don’t do the repairs in good time. You can do the repairs successfully, if you follow these steps:

  • Identify and eliminate the loose brick pieces and debris.
  • Use a bucket to mix the mortar.
  • Insert the brick piece and add the mixed mortar. You must measure the space that requires replacements to avoid leaving empty spaces for mould’s growth.
  • Spray the repaired area with water as you wait for it to dry up.

7. Pay Keen Attention during Your House Construction

You may be caught up in different activities as the contractors work on your house. Still, you may have had complete trust on the professionals. It is, however, important to monitor the activities to ensure that the materials are stored in the right condition. Find out the techniques being used to protect the materials and research on their effectiveness. You can request the experts to test them and treat them for mould prevention in case you are unsatisfied with the builder’s services.

Furthermore, it is wise to call the experts to check for moulds when leasing a new apartment. They will tell you the level of damage, so that you can make the right decisions. You can request for its removal or even look for a new space all together.

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What to Avoid

You should avoid the following when trying to remove mould from brick walls.

  • Waiting for long before calling the experts. As stated earlier, mould tends to spread quickly in a surface. It will be more expensive to remove it and stop its growth.
  • Pressure washing. Some companies often use pressure washing to remove mould and other types of stains. However, this method can cause damages to your brick walls, if proper caution is not taken. In any case, the method cannot fully do away the mould. The right natural and synthetic products, coupled with the use of modern procedures, will help stop its growth.
  • Engaging unqualified professionals. You are likely to waste a lot of resources and time if you invite unskilled and inexperienced professionals to address the mould’s growth issue.

And there you have it! You will stop mould from growing on brick walls in 2020 by identifying the right professionals and preventive measures. Fortunately, you don’t have to search extensively for help. Basildon Stone is specialized to meet all your cleaning needs throughout London and its environs. The experienced and reputable experts will only use tried and tested methods to ensure that mould’s growth is kept at bay.

New Techniques and Trends in Stone Cleaning

The structural heritage of our home is something we all like to preserve for long. Even though we know that we won’t be able to stay alive forever to cherish the memorable corners of the house, we wish it stays erect throughout the years so that people can admire the architectural structure and praise our choice.

But setting the trends with the designs and structure of the buildings is not as easy as it seems, more so, when the buildings are made up of stone or brick finishing. The adverse climatic conditions or the prolonged non-maintained property issues take a toll on the building structure at times and summons it to damage and decay.

The materials become shredding and the colouration becomes faded, which does not at all look good visually, let alone being efficient in holding the structure for long. The stone or bricks in the house need to be treated frequently either by the homeowners or the experts in the niche, to have control over any kind of trouble that bothers the quality of the materials and compromises with the sustenance as well. However, we as stone cleaning experts use latest trends and technologies to clean the structural heritage.

We are going to discuss such few techniques here, which are setting trends in the stone cleaning department. Let’s explore

  • Pressure washing

As is evident by the name, pressure washing of the stone surfaces refers to cleaning it entirely by the powerful water spray to doze off any kind of dirt accumulation or building up of mosses or grime on the stone surfaces. As we all well aware of the fact that water pressure has immense power in it, whereby this technique is used by the stone cleaners to get rid of dirt and other pollutant accumulation on the stone surface. But one must take precautions before applying this technique as any loose end on the stone fixation or other such factors can lead to more damages to the surface than the regular dirt and all!

  • Torc cleaning

This kind of stone cleaning is used for removal of hard stains, paints, grease, graffiti, etc. from the stone surfaces. This technique is mostly used in case of masonry buildings and structural heritages and uses a combination of compressed air, water, fine abrasive to clean the stone surfaces. The paint coatings or brittle soiling are also removed by implementing this technique.

  • Wet treatment

This treatment of stone cleaning mainly involves using soaps, detergents, organic cleaning agents and non-harming chemicals to clean the stone surfaces of dirt and other pollutant accumulation. You can use a soft cloth or other such cleaning agents to wash off the dirt and thereby manage the wet treatments through the easiest way possible.

  • Latex cleaning

It is a challenging and difficult technique to clean the stone structures but the experts in the business can handle the woes well. The latex is used to form a membrane upon the stony surfaces and it has the ability to clean off years of dirt and soil deposits from the stone surfaces very easily. It takes time and labour but the end result pays off well.

  • Regular inspecting and cleaning

Apart from all other techniques of stone cleaning and maintenance, there is no other substitute like regular inspection and cleaning of the stone surfaces. It is beneficial in many ways and any damage and dirt accumulation can be detected and treated well in advance before any severe damage to the surfaces. It is understandable that taking time out for regular maintenance of the stony surfaces is a bit difficult for people these days who lead a busy life and hustles everyday between professional and personal commitments, managing it at least once a while can be beneficial for them in many ways and save them greater hazards in the long run.

To conclude,

We all want our house to look good, be it the interiors or the exteriors! But sometimes, due to lack of knowledge for the same or being short of time to look after the facade cleaning, we tend to lose out on the cleaning department for long. And one fine day, when the damages become noticeable and it starts to show delicate signs of erosion, do we realize that it needs cleaning and maintenance.

This Is more likely to happen when the exteriors or interiors are made of stone; as with passing time and non-maintenance of the stones, it becomes delicately stained or destructive and thus, starts becoming eroded until it Is taken care of well. So, it is highly recommended to the homeowners to take out some time to clean the stone surfaces regularly or at least opt for complete cleaning treatments once in a while so that it does not lead to severe damages in the long run.

TECHNIQUES TO REPAIR AND RESTORE YOUR BUILDING EXTERIORS | INFOGRAPHIC

Exterior cleaning of the building is periodic maintenance activity which has to take place at least once in a year. Reason being, the atmospheric pollutants, biological growth, algae and other stains caused by moisture or prolonged dampness on the exterior of the building gradually damages the beauty and structure of the building.

Any exterior cleaning activity should be done by an experienced contractor who has the better knowledge of the process, which will make the overall activity hassle free for you. This activity primarily involves brick cleaning and stone cleaning, paint and graffiti removal, window restoration and rooftop cleaning from the building.

Cleaning can be performed by various methods such as chemical cleaning, or using environment-friendly substitutes, pressurized cold or hot water wash. Be careful while cleaning terra cotta, masonry or stone surfaces as they are delicate and prone to damage easily.

Graffiti and paint removal from the surface like wood, will need an extra care during the process. However, removing from the metal can be an easy one. Window restoration is a time-consuming activity as it needs minute attention while repairing the sides and corners. Rooftop repairing is hard to do a task, because finding a small leak is a bit difficult, and that can eventually damage your adjacent walls. Hence, always consult a professional for these activities, because taking these activities as the DIY project can backfire land you in trouble. Look for the infographics tips, it can yield you the some of the best results.

 

Techniques-to-Repair-and-Restore-your-Building-Exteriors

Cleaning & Maintenance Tips For Natural Stone

It is a fact that with time even the best of architectures fall apart and become shady. The glowing designs and the beautiful external appearance becomes pale and faded. It is a result of the adverse climatic conditions and the continuous exposure of pollution that the building architecture loses its glow.

And no one can prevent this from happening as because controlling the weather conditions or the pollution is not on our hands. The least we can do to maintain the architectural heritage of our properties is by rooting for proper maintenance and care of the structures.

The natural stone cravings used on the buildings must be cleaned regularly to sustain the luminosity of it. As it is of sparkling nature, the natural stones are not easy to maintain or clean but with the knowledge and tips about the same, you can still have a better stone cleaning done as compared to the other structural kinds.

Let’s get to know these stone cleaning guideline in details so that we can save them from erosion or from losing the charm of the heritage properties

  • Know your stone first

Every natural stone on your house is not of the same equality or material. They have different versions and versatilities and so, not all cleaning methods suit all of them. That’s why, before proceeding for the cleaning process, you have to identify the type of stone on your house. They can be calcareous and siliceous which further differentiates into limestone, marble, granite, slate, sandstone, soapstone and other such formulations.

The calcareous stones are highly reactive to the acidic substances and therefore such types of cleanser must be avoided for the same. The siliceous stones are a bit less reactive towards acid and thus can be used for the cleaning purposes. This is the reason why it is recommended that you know your stone quality well before opting for its cleanliness.

  • Choose the sealants wisely

When you choose the right kind of sealants, half the purpose of cleansing is already achieved. The natural stones often consist of such material which absorbs the liquids and people do the mistake of choosing such sealants which are high in liquids. When you use these sealants, it will definitely clean the stone surface but most of the times are unable to remove the etching of the stone or shows a minimum effect in dealing with discolouration issues also. That’s why you should choose such sealants which do more good than harm.

  • Use damp sponges or clothes for the cleaning purpose

Always opt for softer clothing or damp sponges for cleaning the natural stone surfaces as they make a suitable cleaning agent by not harming the surface extremely. You must also use pH-neutral cleaning agents on the sponges to avoid causing any harm to the natural stone surface.

  • Don’t use abrasive cleaners or rough products for the cleaning purpose

Never ever use a rough clothing or abrasive cleaners for cleaning the natural stones as they may prove very harmful for the stone surface. In severe cases, they might even rip off the surfaces and damage the natural stones unconditionally. Use brushes which have soft bristles are recommended the best for cleaning the stone surfaces.

  • Regular and consistent cleaning must be brought into effect

Most people generally neglect the idea of cleaning the natural stones regularly, irrespective of whether it is placed in the interiors of their house or exteriors. It is understandable that taking out time of the busy schedules every day and cleaning the stones might not be possible for all but it would be great if you can hire someone or attend the housemaid for the work.

As because the regular cleansing of the natural stone keeps the shine and glow retained for a longer period and saves it from further eradication. When you don’t clean the surfaces of the stones regularly the stains become harder and the damage and discolouration show a harsher effect on the stones.

  • Use organic substance for stain cleaning rather than opting for chemical means

You should use the natural cleansing agents more often rather than using the chemical or acidic means for the purpose. As these chemical agents are more likely to cause harm to the stones, avoiding them is the best option.

The stone cleaning London tends to provide services to the citizens of the UK for minimal costs with better results. You can hire them anytime you feel like cleaning your building or house of the dirt and stains. It is not always easy for us to regularly work on the cleaning of the natural stone so we need to hire experts for doing the same for us. And when we get cost-effective cleanliness of our home then why not opt for the services? After all, a cleaner house leads to a better health and environment.

10 ICONIC BRITISH BUILDINGS IN LONDON

The best cities in the world are defined by their beautiful, iconic buildings. There is no greater evidence of this than London.

London has an eclectic range of buildings that show the cities past, history and indeed the future of the capital of England.

Whether you are visiting London or simply fascinated by the city itself some of these incredible British buildings in London are certainly worth exploring.

 

Buckingham Palace

As the Queen’s official resident in London and an actual fully working royal palace, this building is a must-see for tourists. The gorgeous architecture is famous around the world, and everything about the palace suggests an incredible level of wealth.

The palace was built in 1703, and at that time it was a townhouse. Since then, the palace has always been used as a residency for the royal family. However, there have been several notable constructions and renovations on the property to bring it into the 21st century.

The sheer size of the palace is staggering. It has the grandest garden in all of London and an incredible 775 rooms.

St Pauls Cathedral

A stunning, Anglican cathedral and the seat of the Bishop of London St Pauls Cathedral can be found at Ludgate hill.

The Gorgeous cream shade ensures that the building stands out from the existing architecture and the dome has been part of the skyline for well over 300 years. Up until 1967, it was the tallest building in London.

St Pauls Cathedral

Tower Of London

Over 900 years old, this great castle is located in the centre of the city. It has been used for a wide range of purposes over the years including holding the crown jewels and housing various prisoners.

It is for this reason that tourists hardly ever miss a chance to take a trip back in time and explore this medieval masterpiece.

Big Ben

While part of the Palace of Westminster, the clock tower is an icon unto itself. Designed by Augustus Pugin, it was once known as the largest and most accurate clock in the world.

Standing at 315 feet and with 334 steps up to the belfry, the size is certainly staggering.

Big Ben

Palace Of Westminster

The Palace of Westminster is perhaps best recognised as the hub or perhaps the heart of British politics, housing both the House of Lords and the House of Commons.

Located on the River Thames, this landmark is famous on an international level. The original palace was destroyed in 1834, but the current palace was built back up.

This took place somewhere between 1840 and 1870 with gothic revival a large part of the theme for the redesigns.

The building is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is also known as simply ‘Westminster.’

Palace Of Westminster

The Gherkin

Found at 30 St. Mary Axe, the Gherkin is unique in being one of the few modern buildings on this list. Many people are unaware that the original plan for this building was to construct a tower that rose 92 storeys, towering over the London Skyline.

Instead, the Gherkin was built up to just 40 storeys, and yet the design work is still incredible to behold. Completed in 2003, the tower is home to a number of international companies and has won the hearts of both locals and tourists.

British Museum

Easily, the largest museum in Britain, it is known for its massive stone pillars that make it look as though it has been ripped straight out of Rome.

While the exterior may look medieval, inside, there are some incredible modern features, and the layout is rather futuristic. It’s also interesting to note that the building is actually older than the United States.

British Museum

Westminster Abbey

Famous for being the spot where coronations take place, Westminster Abbey is another tourist top spot. It’s a stunning, majestic building that has been around since 1090 when it was originally built.

Various monarchs have ensured the upkeep of the building, guaranteeing that Westminster Abbey continues to be one of the crown jewels of  London.

Westminster Abbey has played host to some of the most famous weddings in the UK. Most recently, it was where Prince William and Princess Catherine Middleton were wed in 2011.

Westminster Abbey

Royal Albert Hall

Widely known for its dome shape, the Royal Albert Hall is a concert hall in South Kensington. Opened by Queen Victoria in 1871, all the world’s most famed artists have performed here at one point or another. Annually, the hall hosts 390 shows.

Royal Albert Hall

Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace is the second residential home of the British royal family on this list. While not nearly as impressive as its competition, Kensington Palace is still a remarkable building.

It has been the home of the royal family from the 17th century onwards and can be found the Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

Today, it is the home of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as well as various other members of the royal family.

Kensington Palace

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