Approached to convert a grade II listed victorian wool warehouse in London into a mixed use commercial and residential building, thinkingspace opted for a strategy of minimal intervention and strategic extension.

The local planning authority were initially against a residential use of this unique building, but with the development of an innovative approach to the conversion and the support of English Heritage the change of use was accepted. Partly damaged by fire, the roof offered the potential to add an exciting new build enclosure to the existing building.

Our approach to addressing the conversion of this listed building was to appreciate the elements of the structure that contribute to the unique character of the construction, preserving this valuable fabric while carefully inserting new elements to allow the building to adapt to it’s new use. Consequently partition walls are offset from the primary structural grid and bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms are contained in prefabricated pod enclosures. Placed in the apartments, the pods sit between the structural elements without interrupting the spatial characteristics of the apartments.

The prismatic geometry of the new build rooftop units is extrapolated the form of the existing roof, which contains north facing rooflights to the floor below. The polished stainless steel and glass enclosure has been designed in such a way that while each unit provides a long vista across the roof, the privacy of the units below is not compromised.

A total 116 residential units and 3500 sqm of commercial space are contained in the scheme.