Ca' D'Oro Building, Glasgow

Restoration of triple-arched cast iron frames

Architect John Honeyman is said to have based his design for what was originally a furniture warehouse, opened in 1872, on the "Golden House" in Venice.

It was built using triple-arched cast iron frames with masonry arches above the shops below. Above the arches, large bay and round windows are framed by Doric and Corinthian columns.
The interior of the building and the mansard were destroyed by a major fire in 1987, and although the cast iron frame survived, it was damaged and in need of repair.

Ballantine Bo’ness Iron, working with consultant engineers Scott, Brownrigg & Turner and main contractor Henry Boot Ltd., were in charge of the site surveys and the creation of new patterns and the creation / erection of two new bays. The new patterns and castings had to exactly resemble the ones in situ to retain the stunning aesthetics of the building. The contract was complete on time and the results can be seen by the photographs. This was a uniquely challenging contract, with many unknowns at the outset, but one that has stood the test of time.