SOho Square, London

From the outset the strategy sought to understand both the historic value as well as the long term potential of the building. Working in the context of this Grade II listed building comes with responsibility and a necessity to profoundly understand that heritage is an essential part of the local environment as it continues to tell a vital story for future generations. In many aspects adding something new can be a challenging balancing act as any new design risks a struggle to establish itself alongside that which exists already. With the redeveloped outbuilding designed to be both high performing and respectful to the host building a new chapter has been added.

Due to the history of the building spanning over three centuries, the project required the most sensitive approach to protect existing fabric and restore original architectural features. All new services had to be virtually invisible; that is in a building which was originally built as a single family town house with no electricity or plumbing. At its core the building now stands structurally sound and future proof. The design process elevated itself from a refurbishment project to one driven by the ambition to work with the building, understand traditional craftsmanship and introduce modern techniques in what could be described as a minimally invasive process.

Awards: AJ Retro Fit Awards 2018 - Shortlisted