We love addressing multi-use building challenges, especially in densely populated sections of the capital. The client’s aim was to maintain the site’s earlier usage as a petrol forecourt with a retail segment, whilst adding residential units to the rear of the property. Located within a conservation area, we prepared for a sensitive approach to all planning and design matters and set to work.

The resulting scheme of the residential portion is a fusion of both massing and details that reflect listed properties within the neighbourhood. The residential building is designed as a simple masonry-faced block in a high-quality yellow stock brick to match the character and appearance of the nearby existing Georgian buildings. Lime mortar will be used for the brickwork. The building’s proportions, elevation treatment, window fenestration and Portland stone dressings (copping & window cills) are a careful response to neighbouring historic buildings. The massing of the scheme additionally responds to the existing vistas across from the site. The upper stories are organised so that views towards the spire of a nearby 15th century church are maintained.

Whilst respecting an historic building language, the planned residences are built for today. Accessibility and external amenity standards are met for each of the eight units. Internal heights to the ground and first floor residential element are increased to give these floors a proportional presence and scale on the street. New metal railings both provide privacy to the units and continue the townhouse terrace aesthetic of neighbouring buildings. The south facing elevation also includes solar shading blades to mitigate heat gain. Windows throughout the scheme are triple glazed to provide both thermal performance and to reduce traffic noise to the residents. The proposed high-performance glazing (windows & door sets) system will meet the requirements of Secured by Design. Lastly, the parapet design to the building allows for photovoltaic panels to be carefully arranged and concealed from street view.

The reconfigured petrol station will retain the existing retail element and building. Additional retail area and storage is provided within the ground floor section of the new residential block. The main design element for the station is the development of new continuous canopy across the forecourt. The proposed canopy provides a protective screening element and separates the service station activities from the residential amenity. More importantly the upper surface of the canopy is to be designated as a biodiverse green landscape which effectively replaces the entire footprint of the forecourt with green space.