An exclusive look above London: The roofing restoration of admiralty arch

By Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

Traditional slate craftsmanship and master leadwork are preserving one of Britain's most iconic landmarks for generations to come. 

For most visitors to London, Admiralty Arch is recognized as the grand ceremonial gateway linking Buckingham Palace to Trafalgar Square. For more than a century, the landmark has stood at the heart of royal processions, historic celebrations and national events.  

Originally commissioned by King Edward VII in memory of Queen Victoria, Admiralty Arch was completed in 1912 and designed by renowned architect Sir Aston Webb. After serving as a government building for decades, the Grade I-listed structure is being transformed into a luxury Waldorf Astoria hotel while preserving a defining part of London's skyline. 

During this transformation, the restoration team has worked carefully to honor the building's architectural heritage while adapting it for a new generation of guests. And while much of the public attention has focused on the luxury hotel and residences taking shape behind the landmark façade, we wanted to take some time to learn about one of the project’s most remarkable elements: The restoration happening on the roof. 

During a special visit arranged by National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) member EWN Lead Work Specialists, who is helping lead the project, industry leaders from the National Slate Association (NSA), the Slate Roofing Contractors Association of North America (SRCA) and RoofersCoffeeShop® received an exclusive look at the conservation work taking place high above one of London's most recognizable landmarks. The roof is rarely accessible to the public, making the opportunity especially significant for roofing professionals passionate about preservation and craftsmanship. 

What makes the roofing restoration particularly impressive is the commitment to traditional methods and materials. According to project information shared during the roof tour, the restoration includes the installation of Westmorland green slate using a historic diminishing-course pattern. This traditional approach places larger slates at the lower sections of the roof and progressively smaller slates toward the ridge, reflecting techniques used on many of Britain's most significant heritage structures. 

The slate installation is only one part of the story. The project also involves extensive leadwork restoration across numerous architectural features, including dormers, bays, cornices and complex roof details. Thousands of individually crafted lead components are being fabricated and installed to replicate historic profiles while providing long-term weather protection. Also of note is the extensive low-slope roofing using modified bitumen granule felts. The result is a roof system that maintains the building’s original appearance while serving modern performance expectations. 

Helping lead that effort is EWN Lead Work Specialists Ltd., a company that has built its reputation on heritage leadwork and conservation projects. Founded by Elliot Newman in 2008, the company specializes exclusively in leadwork and has contributed to some of the United Kingdom's most important historic structures, including the Tower of London, Canterbury Cathedral, Somerset House and Lincoln's Inn. That level of expertise makes EWN a natural fit for a landmark as significant as Admiralty Arch. 

The project serves as a powerful reminder that roofing is often one of the most critical aspects of historic preservation. While visitors admire stonework, sculptures and grand interiors, the roof is what ultimately protects those investments. In this case, the roof will also be used for rooftop activities, creating new spaces for hotel guests. Preserving a building of this scale requires professionals who understand not only modern roofing performance but also centuries-old installation techniques and conservation principles. The tradespeople working on Admiralty Arch are carrying forward skills that have been passed down through generations. 

The restoration also highlights the growing importance of adaptive reuse projects around the world. Rather than allowing historic structures to deteriorate or lose their identity, owners and developers are investing in restorations that preserve architectural heritage while creating economically viable futures. At Admiralty Arch, that vision includes transforming a former government building into a world-class hospitality destination while retaining the character that has made it a London icon for more than 100 years. 

When guests begin arriving at the Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch, many will be captivated by its history, luxury accommodation and unrivaled location across from Buckingham Palace. Few will realize the extraordinary level of roofing craftsmanship protecting the structure from above. Yet for roofing professionals, that work may be the most inspiring aspect of the entire transformation. 

The restoration of Admiralty Arch demonstrates what is possible when heritage preservation, skilled craftsmanship and modern construction expertise come together. Through traditional slate roofing, master-level leadwork, flat roofing expertise and a deep respect for history, roofing professionals are helping ensure that one of Britain’s most cherished landmarks remains a symbol of excellence for generations to come.