Chapman Architects successfully designed and obtained planning for the extension and change of use of an attractive building in the East Marylebone Conservation Area , which is noted for its elaborate stucco mouldings and elegant brickwork detailing. The design process required careful consideration when proposing the change of use from Office(B1) to Residential (C3) to the upper storeys of the building and land use priority needed to betaken into account. It was important that the new proposals fitted in with the local character of the Newman Street and Goodge Street ‘neighbourhood’ due to its location in a conservation area.
Chapman Architects designed the envelope and internal layouts of each apartment to comply with Lifetime For Homes requirements and worked closely with planning consultants DP9 to achieve planning permission in June 2014.
Chapman Architects were appointed with the aim of gaining planning permission enabling our client to commence construction within 3 years. The design approach sought to enhance the interpretation of the building by removal of existing roof storage area, extending the upper brickwork element of the elevation to Newman Street and infilling the void between adjacent buildings with sympathetic and discreet rooftop accommodation. The vertical extension to the Berners Mews block alsohad to be considered in terms of visual impact from street level.
The apartments located on the upper floors of the building are accessed from Newman Street and Berners Mews, with gallery space at ground floor.
The proposed façade of the building was designed in appreciation of the existing mouldings and brickwork, which were extended to compliment the developing townscape whilst capturing the character of the original structure. The proposal was assessed against the Lifetime Homes Design Criteria to ensure that all units meet the standard as far as practically possible, a Westminster City Council UDP and London Plan requirement. The proposed residential units are attractive in layout and take advantage of the uniqueness of the buildings, generous floor to ceiling heights and high quality daylighting from the existing windows.
The proposals also aimed to create a sustainable, low energy development and as such the residential and showroom spaces have both achieved ‘Very Good’ using the BREEAM Residential Refurbishment Assessment and Office Assessment respectively. The building fabric, M&E systems, fixtures and fittings are all to be significantly improved and the implementation of a sedum roof on both the Newman Street and Berners Mews block will increase biodiversity.
The proposals also significantly improve the accessibility of the building by incorporating a passenger lift, accessible WC facilities and cycle storage.
1st August 2014
