Robert Collingwood restored this Prague landmark in 1993 while a director of Jestico + Whiles.

Ericsson Palace dates from the 12th century, with Romanesque cellars, Gothic ground floor vaulting and superimposed Renaissance, Baroque and Classicist elements on the upper floors.

Recently the building had been used as a telephone exchange and its historic character had been obscured by alterations.

Unexpected “finds”, included a late 14th century secular wall painting hidden behind 17th century construction, in a remarkable state of preservation.

Gothic arcades were discovered buried in 19th century masonry. These were reopened and enclosed with delicate steel and glass screens.

New elements were designed to minimise their impact on the historic structure, using elegantly detailed modern materials.

A frameless glass enclosure to the courtyard is carried from the fewest possible points using specially designed forked columns in response to the adjacent gothic rib vaulting.

The project was published in the Architectural Review to show how contemporary interventions, handled explicitly and yet sensitively, can make a positive contribution to the complex layering of a historic building.