Deco living: the Hoover Building takes on a new lease of life as an apartment block

Wallis, Gilbert & Partners’ iconic Hoover Building has taken on many roles over its 86-year lifespan – once a wartime factory, then a commercial supermarket and office block. Today, the London building starts its latest chapter as a residential complex, following an interior and exterior overhaul by trandisciplinary architecture and engineering practice Interrobang. The renovation carefully conserves the building’s art deco heritage, co-ordinating a comprehensive repair of the exterior façade and incorporation of a new inserted timber structure to maximise space. The building now houses 66 modern apartments and is a model of sustainable conversion.

By Luke Halls
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Hoover Building facade

(Image credit: Morley von Sternberg)

Wallis, Gilbert & Partners’ iconic Hoover Building enters its next chapter of life as a residential complex.

Hoover building stairway looking down.


(Image credit: Morley von Sternberg)

The art deco building was constructed in 1931, and since then has served as the Hoover factory (where it also produced aircraft parts during the Second World War) and a commercial and office location for Tesco.

Hoover building lobby


(Image credit: Morley von Sternberg)

Transdisciplinary architecture and engineering practice Interrobang carefully considered the building’s heritage in the structural overhaul. 

Hoover building lobby


(Image credit: Morley von Sternberg)

All of the staircases are original, finished in the original colour scheme and featuring wrought-iron bannisters.

Hoover building hallway


(Image credit: Morley von Sternberg)

The building became Grade II* listed, described in the list entry as ‘Possibly the most significant arterial road factory of its date, and one of the most attractive.’

Hoover building lobby


(Image credit: Morley von Sternberg)

Spiral staircases lead to the 12 lofts on the new third level.

Hoover building facade illuminated at night


(Image credit: Morley von Sternberg)

Many of the second-level flats overlook the lawn via private terraces.

Side by side: Close up images of Hoover building facade


(Image credit: Morley von Sternberg)

The building’s concrete façade suffered extensive cracking over the years, requiring detailed forensic paint analysis for refinishing and repair.

Hoover building exterior view


(Image credit: Morley von Sternberg)

The building’s exterior also features a colour palette reflective of the original.

The loft apartments make use of the sloped ceilings, with large windows providing fantastic lighting


(Image credit: Morley von Sternberg)

The loft apartments make use of the sloped ceilings, with large windows providing fantastic lighting

Hoover building kitchen


(Image credit: Morley von Sternberg)

The latest Hoover appliances are fitted into every apartment.

Hoover building bedroom featuring a double bed with a sky light in the ceiling.


(Image credit: Morley von Sternberg)

Loft bedrooms benefit especially well from the larger windows

Hoover building details


(Image credit: Morley von Sternberg)

Modern interiors juxtapose the building’s exterior, respectively giving the building new life after being vacated for a decade. 

Luke Halls
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