The former Burton’s Menswear HQ, a Grade II-listed Art Deco building from the 1930s, is a significant architectural landmark on Whitefriargate in Hull. Originally, its facade was clad in 1½-inch Norwegian Emerald Larvikite, sourced from a quarry now operated by Lundhs known as Quarry No. 30 in Klåstad.

Over time, the stone adhesion deteriorated, requiring replacement. However, modern building regulations and structural limitations posed significant challenges in restoring the building to its original appearance.

The Challenges
1. Weight & Structural Limitations
o The original stone was heavily mortared with partial mechanical fixing.
o Large panels (up to 1.8m x 1.1m) could not be reinstalled the same way.
o Traditional cladding required 80+mm thick panels, weighing 200 kg per sqm—far too heavy for the building's structure & panel sizes.

2. Historic Preservation Requirements
o English Heritage mandated that any replacement must closely match the original panel layout and where possible relief.
o Stone must match as closely as possible to the original.

The Solution: Lightweight Rainscreen System

A modern solution was needed—one that maintained the integrity of solid stone while reducing weight & maintaining the aesthetics of the building. Stone Cladding Systems' Aztec Rainscreen was proposed as a potential alternative. With the ability to install the Hilti rails and brackets first whilst the stone, on a longer lead time, was being manufactured to the tight design tolerances required it was an opportunity to move the project forward at pace.

Key benefits of using the Aztec system on this project:
✅ Maintains authentic stone appearance
✅ Uses 30mm thick panels instead of 80mm
✅ Weighs 85 kg per sqm—a fraction of traditional stone cladding
✅ Faster and more efficient installation

To ensure viability however, the system required rigorous testing before approval.

Testing & Approval
• Wind Load & Impact Testing: Conducted at Vinci Technology Centre, Leighton Buzzard to assess the redesigned system’s performance with the large panels.
• Structural Integrity Check: Hilti GB tested the building’s existing structure for pull-out resistance to confirm it could support the new cladding.
• Approval from English Heritage: After successful tests, id Architecture collaborated with stakeholders to design a solution that met historic preservation standards.

This project marked the first-ever approval of a rainscreen rail system for a Grade II commercial building.

Implementation & Outcome
• Project Duration: 8 months
• Key Contributors:
o Developer: Wykeland Group
o Main Contractors: Hobson & Porter Ltd
o Architects: id Architecture
o Installers: Stone Edge Ltd
o Aztec Rainscreen Supplier: Stone Cladding Systems in partnership with Hilti GB

The final installation on what is now known as Burton House closely replicates the original 1930s design, preserving the building’s heritage while ensuring long-term durability. Along with newly installed coping and cills, the building has been successfully restored to its former glory.

Conclusion
This restoration project demonstrates how modern engineering and historic preservation can work hand in hand. By utilizing innovative cladding solutions, such as the Aztec system, the Burton’s Menswear HQ has been transformed while maintaining its architectural authenticity