The client wanted to investigate a more ambitious concept for an already consented development on Gloucester Avenue, in Primrose Hill, Camden.

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Consent was sought for a mixed use commercial and residential development in a courtyard arrangement. A series of existing building existed and needed to be retained due to their listed status.

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The buildings referenced the adjacent railway line, connecting the West Coastline to London Euston station, and functioned as industrial storage units and elegant office spaces as part of the industrial revolution.

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A larger scheme was consented within a series of contemporary brick forms mimicking the traditional building with pitched roofs and solid detailing. Significant cut and carving works were proposed the front building, an exquisite reflection of Georgian/Victorian Architecture, to realise beautiful duplex residential apartments befitting the tall sliding sash windows with modern Victorian detailing.

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Access was created via an external glazed staircase and liftcore set within the new uplifted landscaping which also functioned as a car park.

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The basement was extended to house 4 affordable units with a complex concrete box system which also created an access route above.

A large basement was created to the new building to house a gym, cycle and refuse storage and plant to ensure the ground floor and upper floors were fully utilised as residential space.

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Large well-proportioned windows without mullions were conceived to create a sense of luxury. Purge ventilation and MEP extract was controlled using a spandrel panel and external mesh to hide this unsightly equipment.

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On the top floor, balconies were created by recessing the pitched roof. This created private spaces that felt an extension to the internal rooms. This is contrary to projecting balconies, which are often disused and feel exposed.

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The existing building closest to the railway line was retained as commercial spaces, with lightwells created to allow daylight into the existing basement spaces. Open balustrading and reflective materials help to encourage light into the rooms to create a freshness.

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We wanted to extract and use the natural historic character of the buildings to full effect, and so the interiors were inspired by the Victorian era so that they felt a true reflection of the style. Herringbone timber flooring was chosen, which elevate the interiors beyond the standard. Black brassware, crittal windows, and carefully considered exposed columns, were all used to create that authentic historic style.