An ambitious architectural restoration project that brought together the historic homes of two legendary musicians separated by nearly 250 years has earned recognition for one of Britain's most promising young architects. Helena Tunbridge, an associate with conservation practice Peregrine Bryant Architects, has been nominated for the prestigious 2025 RIBA Stephen Lawrence Prize, which honors exceptional new architectural talent.
The nomination stems from Tunbridge's remarkable work on what became known as the Hallelujah Project, a comprehensive restoration of two neighboring terrace houses in London's upscale Mayfair district. These properties once served as homes to classical composer George Frideric Handel and rock legend Jimi Hendrix, despite the musicians living there approximately 250 years apart.
Completed in 2023, the ambitious project required a substantial investment of 3 million pounds and involved multiple complex restoration challenges. Tunbridge's work included the meticulous restoration of Handel's residence at 25 Brook Street, where the famous composer once lived and worked. The project also involved completely rebuilding the Georgian façade to restore its original 18th-century grandeur while ensuring it met modern safety and accessibility standards.
The scope of work extended to 23 Brook Street, the former home of Jimi Hendrix, where Tunbridge oversaw the renovation of exhibition spaces and added a new retail shop to enhance the visitor experience. The architect had to carefully balance historical preservation requirements with the practical needs of a modern museum that welcomes thousands of visitors annually.
Both historic properties had previously earned their own blue plaques, the circular markers that commemorate notable figures who lived or worked in particular buildings throughout London. Following the completion of Tunbridge's restoration work two years ago, the combined properties opened to the public as the unified Handel Hendrix House, creating a unique cultural destination that celebrates both classical and contemporary musical heritage.
The project's significance was already recognized earlier this year when it received wins at both the RIBA London Awards and the Conservation Awards in May. These accolades highlighted the exceptional quality of the restoration work and its contribution to preserving London's architectural and cultural heritage.
The Stephen Lawrence Prize, for which Tunbridge is now nominated, specifically recognizes architects who are at the early stages of their careers but have demonstrated exceptional talent and potential. The winner will be announced during the Stirling Prize Ceremony in October, one of the most important events in the British architectural calendar.
The restoration project stands as a testament to the complex challenges involved in preserving historic buildings while adapting them for contemporary use. Tunbridge's work demonstrates how careful architectural intervention can breathe new life into heritage properties, ensuring they remain relevant and accessible to future generations while respecting their historical significance.
The Handel Hendrix House now serves as both a museum and cultural center, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the lives and legacies of two musicians whose contributions to their respective genres continue to influence artists today. The successful completion of this project represents a significant achievement in architectural conservation and cultural preservation in one of London's most historically significant neighborhoods.
