The Secunderabad Club

Studio One was commissioned to restore and rebuild the main building of The Secunderabad Club after a devastating fire in January 2022 completely gutted the 150-year-old heritage structure.

Working from photographic archives, the heritage building was carefully evaluated for structural integrity in collaboration with M/S TCA, a renowned structural engineering firm. The surviving riveted wrought iron beams were retained and reinforced with additional steel sections, while some of the stone pillars were reconstructed with internal steel reinforcement to ensure stability.

The fire also revealed a remarkable grid of nine heritage cast iron columns, originally manufactured in 1858 by Richardson & Cruddas Engineers in Bombay. These columns were meticulously restored and refinished to their former grandeur, becoming a highlight of the Colonnade Bar.

To preserve the Club’s rich history, the Military Shields of various battalions from the Secunderabad Cantonment were recreated from archived photographs and now adorn the high wall behind the bar. The Colonnade Bar itself embodies a distinctly British colonial aesthetic, featuring teak wood louvers, leather chairs, and a deep crimson granite floor, thoughtfully chosen as a refined alternative to the original red oxide cement.

The Phoenix Lounge, designed as an all-day retreat, has been recreated in an elegant colonial style, complete with upholstered sofas, period lounge furniture, parquet flooring, high ceilings, and opulent drapery.

In addition, the Club's main entrance steps, portico, verandas, mezzanine offices, and the grand ballroom on the first floor were meticulously reconstructed from the ground up. Modern fire safety systems, guest elevators, and a grand staircase were seamlessly integrated into the restoration, ensuring both safety and functionality.

Remarkably, the entire restoration, rebuilding, and interior fit-out were completed within a record time of just 12 months.