Renovation of a “noble“ listed building overlooking Hamilton Harbour, which was built almost a century ago, will begin soon, according to the architect leading the project.

Paget Hall, on Harbour Road, will retain its original “simple elegance” but will be restored with a focus on sustainability, said Colin Campbell, of OBMI.

He was commissioned by David Malm, owner of the structure and a private equity investor from the United States, to draw up the designs, which include insulated wood-finish interior walls to combat moisture and a relocated front door and main stairs.

The previous owner was insurance industry leader Brian Duperreault, who bought the home in 1998.

The Historical Building Advisory Committee and Bermuda National Trust objected to the plans on the grounds they could impact Bermuda’s architectural heritage by changing the Grade 2-listed building’s appearance.

The trust raised concerns about proposed new-style blinds and alterations to some windows and doors on the main house, fearing “these changes will considerably alter the look of the northern façade, which is highly visible from Hamilton Harbour. This includes possibly altering Paget Hall’s ‘character defining features’.”

The Development Applications Board noted the concerns but approved the project, stating: “It has been shown that the windows proposed will promote healthier air ventilation and passive cooling for the large house, which may decrease the dependence on air conditioning.

“While the committee's concerns are well placed, there are various articles of record and photographic evidence, as well as other bespoke features of this property, that will remain as excellent examples of 1920s architecture in Bermuda.”

It said the design adhered to sustainable design and energy conservation principles.

Mr Campbell told The Royal Gazette the original side-hung shutters design was modified to include a top-hung shutter, thus reducing the amount of heat generated by direct sunlight on the windows.

He said the design team was “careful and cautious” about making changes to the look of the property, adding: “The house is noble all by itself. The house is so simple and elegant that we don’t want to mess with it.”

He shared the original sketches from 1925 or 1926 and the design development blue prints.

“As you can see there are lots of changes and modifications,” he said.

“This is typical of most design projects. It is a reminder that despite our modern computers, the more things change, the more they remain the same.”

According to the national trust’s Architectural Heritage Series, Paget Hall was designed by architect Edward Tucker, father of deep-sea diver Teddy Tucker. Newstead Belmont Hills is located to the east and Salt Kettle to the west.

Before the home was built, there was an abattoir on the site and the history book records how the Paget Parish Vestry received “constant complaints about the slaughterhouse” and its “most horrid, offensive, smelly odour”.

Mr Campbell said it was clear from the original plans that the designers struggled with where to put the front door because of space required for the large main staircase.

“It has very classical proportions until you see the front door,“ he said.

The new design moves the stairway to a long dining room and places the front door in a central position.

Mr Campbell said the planning application went through a “typical process” and the building permit was now “available for action”.

He said work was about to start, with a plan in place to minimise disruption and noise, and was expected to take about 18 months.

Mr Campbell added that his client was a very private person who “saw value in Bermuda and wants to invest in Bermuda”.

The Wall Street Journal has reported on Mr Malm’s property acquisition in the US. An article in January last year said he had bought $100 million worth of luxury real estate on affluent Martha’s Vineyard, in Massachusetts

In January this year, it reported that Mr Malm, managing director of Webster Equity Partners, had sold a luxury property in nearby Nantucket for $26 million, only 14 months after buying it for $19.9 million.

Paget Hall has an annual rental value of $294,000 and would be worth several million dollars. Rego Sotheby International Realty, which handled the purchase, declined to say what it cost.

Non-Bermudians can apply to own up to two properties on the island. The minimum ARV for houses they can buy is $126,000.