Asia House, Manchester
Asia House on Princess Street in Manchester stands as a notable historical building from the early 20th century. Constructed between 1906 and 1909, it exemplifies Edwardian Baroque architecture and has been recognized as a Grade II* listed building since October 3, 1974. Originally a packing and shipping warehouse designed for the Refuge Assurance Company, it served multiple shipping merchants, such as the Oxford Packing Company, and housed 36 shipping merchants by 1910.
The building was designed by I.R.E. Birkett, according to architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner in his book The Buildings of England. However, English Heritage attributes the design to Harry S. Fairhurst. Asia House is particularly noted for its lavish interiors, including an "exceptionally rich" entrance hall and stairwell adorned with veined marble, green and cream faience, Art Nouveau stained glass, and tree motifs.
The structure of Asia House is built on a trapezoidal plan and consists of two linked blocks, each rising six stories high plus an attic above a double basement. Its facade is constructed with pink-brown sandstone, brick, and marble. The side and rear elevations feature glazed white brick and common brick, respectively. Originally, the warehouse had loading bays situated between the blocks, connected to packing rooms in the basement via shafts. These areas facilitated the movement of goods, which were then dispatched after being packed into bales using hydraulic presses powered by Manchester's hydraulic power system. The building was illuminated by gas.
Reflecting changes in urban utilization, Asia House was converted into residential units in 2003, with its basement repurposed as a car park. It has been home to notable residents, including Noel Gallagher, the famed singer-songwriter from the band Oasis. Asia House remains a prime example of Manchester's rich industrial heritage and its adaptation to modern urban living.
The building was designed by I.R.E. Birkett, according to architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner in his book The Buildings of England. However, English Heritage attributes the design to Harry S. Fairhurst. Asia House is particularly noted for its lavish interiors, including an "exceptionally rich" entrance hall and stairwell adorned with veined marble, green and cream faience, Art Nouveau stained glass, and tree motifs.
The structure of Asia House is built on a trapezoidal plan and consists of two linked blocks, each rising six stories high plus an attic above a double basement. Its facade is constructed with pink-brown sandstone, brick, and marble. The side and rear elevations feature glazed white brick and common brick, respectively. Originally, the warehouse had loading bays situated between the blocks, connected to packing rooms in the basement via shafts. These areas facilitated the movement of goods, which were then dispatched after being packed into bales using hydraulic presses powered by Manchester's hydraulic power system. The building was illuminated by gas.
Reflecting changes in urban utilization, Asia House was converted into residential units in 2003, with its basement repurposed as a car park. It has been home to notable residents, including Noel Gallagher, the famed singer-songwriter from the band Oasis. Asia House remains a prime example of Manchester's rich industrial heritage and its adaptation to modern urban living.
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Asia House on Map
Sight Name: Asia House
Sight Location: Manchester, England (See walking tours in Manchester)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Manchester, England (See walking tours in Manchester)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Manchester, England
Create Your Own Walk in Manchester
Creating your own self-guided walk in Manchester is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Edwardian Architecture Tour
A product of the Industrial Revolution, Manchester is noted for its warehouses, railway viaducts, cotton mills, and canals, reflecting the most ambitious and exciting phase of the city's history.
During the reign of King Edward VII, which spanned from 1901 to 1910, Manchester experienced a significant boom in architectural development. This period saw a shift towards more ornate and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
During the reign of King Edward VII, which spanned from 1901 to 1910, Manchester experienced a significant boom in architectural development. This period saw a shift towards more ornate and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Manchester Historical Architecture Tour
Manchester鈥檚 architecture is rich in styles. Throughout centuries, the city has evolved in phases, each of which left its peculiar imprint on the city's architectural tapestry. Here, you can see medieval red-brick buildings coexisting harmoniously with concrete-and-glass structures from the modern era.
One notable landmark in Manchester is the Statue of Prince Albert, a regal monument... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
One notable landmark in Manchester is the Statue of Prince Albert, a regal monument... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Manchester Introduction Walking Tour
The seventh most populated city in England, Manchester is an important cultural, industrial and historic center.
The recorded history of Manchester began with the civilian settlement associated with the Roman fort established circa 79 AD on a sandstone bluff near the confluence of the rivers Medlock and Irwell. Having been a manorial township throughout the Middle Ages, Manchester enjoyed rapid... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
The recorded history of Manchester began with the civilian settlement associated with the Roman fort established circa 79 AD on a sandstone bluff near the confluence of the rivers Medlock and Irwell. Having been a manorial township throughout the Middle Ages, Manchester enjoyed rapid... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Top 10 Cafes and Sweet Shops in Manchester
Heading up Oldham Street from Picadilly Gardens you arrive at The Northern Quarter; the 鈥榗ool鈥� part of Manchester, think Brooklyn, Shoreditch, Le Marais; trendy young things with fancy haircuts frequent the coffee houses, boutique and vintage shops during the day and the bars once night-time...