Bizarre baths win coveted award
Bizarre baths win coveted award
Keywords Galvanizers Association, Galvanizing
The remarkable refurbishment of one of the UK's most bizarre public baths has earned a prestigious award.
The last surviving building of its type, the 140-year-old Pump Rooms at Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire, had been derelict for half a century. But now,after a £160,000 refurbishment, they have been returned to their original quirky splendour (Plate 2).
Plate 2 Hot Dip Galvanizing Awards 2000. Highly Commended (3): The Pump Rooms, Tenbury Wells. Architect: Jacqueline Demaus RIBA
While work was under way it was found that 90 per cent of the galvanized steel roof sheets fitted in 1911 had survived and were in sufficiently good condition to be re-galvanized, powder coated and then fitted back in place.
This earned the project a top award for illustrating the role of hot dip galvanizing and steel to sustainable construction at this year's Hot Dip Galvanizing Awards. Now in their eighth year, the Awards attract entries from architects nationwide and Leominster-based Jacqueline Demaus was successful with this unique project.
Originally designed by James Cranston, in what can only be described as idiosyncratic late Chinese Gothic style, the structure still looks remarkably bold and innovative and comprises an assembly room, four bathing rooms, entrance halls and a well tower.
Dr Derek Tordoff, director-general of the British Constructional Steelwork Association and member of the judging panel for the past four years, said, "The survival of the roofing sheets after 90 years clearly demonstrates the longevity of galvanized steel and highlights the hot dip galvanizing process as a major contributor to sustainable construction".
Further details are available from Galvanizers Association. Tel: +44 (0) 121 355 8838; Fax: +44 121 355 8727.
