This year’s theme is ‘Recycled City’— the perfect canvas for our culinary transformation of Devonport House.
At the University of Greenwich, where minds rise like perfectly baked soufflés and ideas blend like the finest ingredients, stands a grand old gingerbread house known as Devonport House.
This Grade II listed confection, with its rich history and sugary charm, was ready for a new recipe. With a sprinkle of cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg, the master bakers behind the Devonport House Project embarked on a journey to refurbish and repurpose this historic delight.
A new taste for a traditional recipe
In this enchanting blend of old and new, history and contemporary design dance together like sugar and spice. Inspired by the building’s baked-in heritage, classical biscuit proportions, subtly iced detailing, and soft ginger tones Wispa stories of the past and dreams of the future. A mix of new academic and public spaces invite all to partake in this delicious journey, turning Devonport House into a winter wonderland of learning and community.
The centrepiece of this enchanting transformation is the sugar glazed atrium, whisking together history and innovation in one irresistible bake. Look up, and you might even catch Santa’s sleigh flying over Devonport House!
Baked to perfection
Sustainability was the team’s star ingredient, with every slice of Devonport House contributing to a healthier, sweeter future. Not a crumb was wasted, with Santa’s elves undertaking a pre-baking audit to reuse the leftover dough, fondant, and chocolate shards aiming to divert waste from landfills to keep Gingerbread City fully compostable.
Opening up the Quality Streets
The magic doesn’t stop there, with a landscape that beckons all to enjoy. For visitors who knead a break, lush marzipan lawns, winding Polo pathways, and cozy chocolate nooks invite students and locals alike to savour the sweetness of their surroundings.
A feast for the imagination
At its heart, Devonport House’s sweet revival is about extending the shelf life of a sugary landmark, blending its delicious past with a bright and sustainable future. And as the icing on the cake, The Gingerbread City will remain a place for learning, gathering, and Christmas nibbles for generations to come.
Join us in celebrating this magical transformation by visiting The Gingerbread City from 30 November to 29 December 2024. It’s the perfect way to indulge in the festive season while enjoying a bite-sized glimpse into the future!
You can find out more about our proposal for the real Devonport House by following this link. This decidedly inedible retrofit project transforms a Grade II listed former naval hospital nurses home into a state-of-the-art teaching and community space for the University of Greenwich.
