Elizabeth Tower, the Neo-Gothic landmark home to the famed Big Ben bell, has been honoured with a RIBA London Award following an ambitious and meticulous renovation by architectural conservation studio Purcell. Described by the jury as “a masterclass in conservation and craftsmanship,” the project represents the most extensive overhaul of the tower in its 160-year history—reaffirming its place as a treasured symbol of British heritage and architectural resilience.
A timeless icon reimagined for the future
Rising above the Palace of Westminster, the Elizabeth Tower is one of the UK’s most instantly recognisable architectural landmarks. Known globally as the face of Big Ben, the tower was designed by Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin in the mid-19th century as part of the reconstruction of Parliament. While its silhouette remains a cultural emblem of Britain, the structure itself had not undergone a major restoration since its completion over 160 years ago until now.
The project led by Purcell sought to do more than preserve the past; it aimed to renew the tower for generations to come. The architects took on the challenge of maintaining historical accuracy while integrating modern systems, with a commitment to craftsmanship evident in every repaired tile, cleaned stone, and refurbished mechanism. The jury for the RIBA London Awards described the project as “an astonishing achievement” in bringing new life to a structure of such historical and symbolic weight.
Conservation through precision and care
What makes the Elizabeth Tower renovation so remarkable is the depth of care applied to every aspect of the restoration. From its ornate cast iron roof to the four massive clock faces, each component was rigorously examined, researched, and restored. The intricate process included replacing the 1980s black paint on the clock dials with historically accurate Prussian blue and gold, enhancing not only the tower’s visual fidelity but also its iconic character.
A significant feat of the project was the restoration of the clock mechanism itself, a highly delicate and historically significant element. In addition to precision repairs that improved timekeeping, the entire system was carefully integrated into a renewed framework without compromising the building’s original fabric. As the RIBA jury noted, “Every element… has been painstakingly examined, researched and assessed, to inform the complex programme of cleaning, repair, redecoration and renewal.”
Blending heritage and modern technology
Despite its reverence for tradition, the renovation project did not shy away from innovation. A key feature of the restoration was the installation of a lift—a first in the tower’s history—which now allows easier access to the upper levels, including maintenance spaces and the belfry. Other modern upgrades included improvements to electrical and mechanical systems, executed with minimal disruption to the tower’s original aesthetic.
Purcell’s use of contemporary digital modelling tools and coordination software enabled the team to manage the project’s complexity with precision, while also exploring sustainable solutions. From energy-efficient lighting to environmentally sensitive materials, the team demonstrated how conservation can coexist with sustainability—bridging past and future in one of the UK’s most beloved structures.
A collective effort in heritage preservation
The success of the Elizabeth Tower renovation was rooted in collaboration—between architects, craftsmen, historians, engineers and conservation specialists. Each brought a level of expertise and reverence to the process, ensuring that the tower was not only restored to its former glory but also prepared to endure the challenges of the next century.
The RIBA jury highlighted the project’s ability to balance tradition with progress, stating, “The preservation of such incredible skill, workmanship and material appreciation for the nation is one of the defining achievements of the project.” The tower now stands not only as a functioning timepiece but also as a testament to the power of thoughtful, coordinated architectural stewardship.
A standout among this year’s RIBA winners
Among the 38 projects recognised in the 2024 RIBA London Awards, the Elizabeth Tower stood out as “probably the most iconic building” of the year. Other winners included Citizens House by Archio, the revitalised Young V&A by De Matos Ryan and AOC, the London College of Fashion by Allies and Morrison, and Blenheim Grove by Poulsom Middlehurst. Yet it was the tower, with its historical gravity and exceptional craftsmanship, that captured both the public imagination and professional admiration.
The restoration of Elizabeth Tower is more than an award-winning project; it is a reaffirmation of architecture’s enduring cultural significance. Through careful research, skilled making, and a vision that honours both the past and the future, Purcell has ensured that Big Ben will continue to chime not only as a keeper of time but as a symbol of Britain’s architectural legacy.
