Designed for Sir Montague Maurice Burton, founder of Burton Menswear, by architect Henry Wilson, and opened in December 1936, its cladding in polished Larvikite has always been central to the building’s identity.

Over time, deterioration in the original stone fixing system meant the façade required major intervention. For a listed building of this prominence, however, restoration was never simply a matter of replacement. The challenge was to preserve the original panel rhythm and scale, where large modules shape the architecture, while meeting modern structural and regulatory requirements.

The solution was a full reinstatement of the building’s Larvikite expression using new large-format panels of Lundhs Emerald®, formed over 300 million years ago in Norway. Panels measuring up to 1800 × 1100 millimeters were supplied at 30 mm thickness, and installed on the Aztec rainscreen system, enabling precise alignment and long-term durability at a fraction of the weight associated with traditional thick-stone cladding.

With scaffolding removed, the renewed façade once again reads as a confident, mirror-like Art Deco surface. Renowned for its striking iridescence and exceptional durability, Lundhs Emerald® is sustainably sourced and maintenance-free, offering a refined cladding solution that honours the building’s historic character while ensuring resilience for the future.

This text is based on the following articles:
Hull City Council News (20 Nov 2024): Restoration of landmark Hull building unveiled as scaffolding comes down on historic Burton Building
Stone Cladding Systems: Iconic Burton Building, Hull
Wykeland Group: Restoration of landmark Hull building unveiled as scaffolding comes down on historic Burton Building

Project:

Developer / client: Wykeland Group
Main contractor: Hobson & Porter Ltd 
Facade contractor: Stone cladding systems ltd
Architect: id Architecture
Building status: Grade II-listed, Art Deco landmark
Space (reported): 12,700 sq ft over five floors 

Façade details:

Stone type: Larvikite, Lundhs Emerald®
Thickness: 30 mm
Panel size: up to 1800 × 1100 mm 
Fixing system: Aztec rainscreen (with Hilti rail/bracket structure)
Installer: Stone Edge Ltd