black timber cladding - roof top extension

Rooftop Extension

Existing Victorian Warehouse

We collaborated on a visionary project with the Victorian Warehouse Conversion at 80 Great Eastern Street.  To secure planning permission for a rooftop extension to provide 9 new Penthouse Apartments.  Seamlessly blending contemporary design with the historic charm of Victorian architecture.  We transformed the existing roofspace.  Adorning it with lightweight structures from the 1980 office conversion. By relocating the plant equipment to the basement and removing it from the roof, we successfully liberated the space. Our proposal involved a thoughtfully designed rooftop extension that required reinforcement throughout the entire structure to safeguard against disproportionate collapse. This process involved carefully needling steel beams and columns through the original Victorian walls and floor.

Architecture Inspiration

Our design drew inspiration from the elegance of Japanese architecture However.  Timber cladding, reminiscent of the revered Shou Sugi Ban technique, unveils itself in harmony with the original brick facade. The deliberate recessed placement of the windows added definition to the facade, with structural glazing seamlessly integrating with the Douglas fir timber cladding. Each apartment boasted mesmerizing views, whether overlooking the vibrant North Shoreditch or the bustling cityscape, providing ample living spaces.

Rooftop Terrace

The meticulous design extended to each apartment’s unique large rooftop terrace, a rare gem in this coveted London locale. Accessible from street level via Great Eastern Street, the foyer tastefully echoed elements of the exterior facade at rooftop level, creating a harmonious architectural transition. The main hall skillfully divided the building into two distinct sections, creating an enchanting sense of height, volume, and ambiance upon reaching the rooftop level.

Building Regulations

Building regulation requirements were thoughtfully incorporated during the design phase.  Seamlessly integrating essential factors such as smoke ventilation, and fire safety. Strategically positioned rooflights not only bathed the spaces in a gentle, ethereal glow but also served as functional ventilation outlets, dissipating heat. Subtle recessed slots in the plasterboard allowed for the discreet installation of concealed LED strips.  Casting ambient lighting throughout the apartments. Moreover, we deliberately set back the apartment doors, creating deeper reveals that facilitated the inclusion of task downlighters to delicately illuminate each entrance.

Sustainable Design

The penthouses were thoughtfully designed to meet the rigorous standards of Code for Sustainable Homes level 4, embodying a commitment to environmental stewardship. Enhanced insulation, timber frames, green roofs, and MVHR systems graced each unit, ensuring optimal energy efficiency and indoor air quality. We thoughtfully implemented triple glazing, effectively reducing thermal transference and shielding the living spaces from disruptive external noise. Internally, we meticulously finished the apartments to the highest standard, boasting engineered timber flooring, glass rooflights that flooded the staircases with natural light, and generously proportioned modern en-suites/bathrooms.

Black Timber Cladding

Furthermore, we are particularly enamored with the sleek elegance of the black timber cladding and the seamless flow of the open-plan living areas. The floor-to-ceiling structural glass windows beautifully showcase the mesmerizing views of London’s iconic skyline. Situated in the vibrant heart of Shoreditch, these penthouse apartments provide exceptional living spaces that fully embrace the breathtaking panorama. Notably, the rooftop extension has significantly transformed the building.   Granting residents exclusive access to an elevated outdoor space where they can relish the stunning city views.

 

Victorian Warehouse Refurbishment

Victorian Warehouse Refurbishment

An impressive Victorian Warehouse Refurbishment in the heart of East London.

History

80 Great Eastern Street is situated in the heart of the vibrant “Shoreditch Triangle” and forms part of the esteemed Shoreditch Conservation Area. Originally constructed around 1880, this five-storey building served as three Victorian showroom/warehouses primarily engaged in furniture manufacturing. According to Cherry and Pevsner, renowned architectural historians.  Charles Bryant and the King Family undertook the construction of 76-82 Great Eastern Street between 1882 and 1884. Although architects did not participate in this venture, it remains one of the largest speculative developments in the area.

Driven by a vision to revitalize and transform the neighborhood, these developments brought about significant changes and opportunities for growth. They aimed to breathe new life into the area, enhancing its appeal and creating a thriving community. Victorian warehouses boasted shop-fronts that allowed customers to view and purchase products. While trades specializing in varnish, upholstery, and cabinet ironmongery operated in the “back of house” areas, the main focus of the development was on creating engaging and attractive spaces for public use.

Fire Damage

In approximately 1980, a fire ravaged the original timber pitch slated roof and internal floors. Consequently, in 1985, planning approval was obtained to reinstate the damaged floors and construct a flat roof in place of the original pitched roof. Furthermore, the third and fourth floors underwent a change of use.   Transforming into office spaces as part of the overall refurbishment plan. The ground, first, and second floors were designated for industrial use, while the basement served as a storage/warehouse area.

Regrettably, the original showroom-warehouse shop fronts on the ground floor were removed to accommodate the new offices.  Leading to the loss of the building’s active street frontage. As a consequence, the area experienced a decline during the early to mid-1990s.Due to increased competition from cheaper manufacturing locations and improved mechanization. Consequently, many warehouses stood vacant. However, it was the adaptable nature of these buildings, particularly those associated with the furniture trade, that played a pivotal role in the area’s redevelopment. Their versatility for new uses, combined with the appealing scale of the streets and spaces.   Contributed to the transformation of Shoreditch into a vibrant mixed-use area, encompassing small businesses, art galleries, restaurants, and bars. Developers quickly redeveloped warehouses throughout the vicinity, giving rise to the distinctive streetscape and scale that the Conservation Area proudly showcases today.

Victorian Warehouse Refurbishment

An opportunity arose when there was a pressing need for the Victorian warehouse refurbishment of the existing offices at 80 Great Eastern Street. The entire building underwent a comprehensive strip-out to create open-plan office spaces spanning four floors. In order to achieve a level threshold, a deliberate decision was made to lower the existing ground floor by approximately 1.2 meters from street level. This adjustment allowed for improved accessibility and a seamless transition between the indoor and outdoor spaces. Eliminating the need for a raised floor. In order to preserve the original ornate ironwork visible in the reception area.  The head of the original beam, originally located in the basement, was encased in concrete.

Reflecting the building’s original purpose, an industrial palette of materials, including wood, steel, concrete, and brick, was utilized. The revamped building now offers a remarkable 40,259 square feet of space, with open-plan floor plates starting at 6,738 square feet.  Thanks to its prime location and outstanding refurbishment, the building has attracted innovative tech companies.  Leading to the popular nickname “Silicone Roundabout” for the nearby “Old Street Roundabout.”

The project posed immense challenges, requiring years of meticulous design, planning, and construction. Throughout the process, the building underwent significant upgrades to meet the demands of high-tech offices.  Including the incorporation of advanced lighting systems, air conditioning, lifts, and firefighting cores. The final result is a stunning blend of offices, retail spaces, and restaurants, all refurbished to an exceptional standard. The restoration and refurbishment efforts have beautifully showcased the original brickwork and ironwork, with minimalist details enhancing the building’s authentic Victorian features.

CIAT Design Awards

We relocated the existing rooftop plant equipment to the basement, thereby creating an opportunity to convert the roof space into nine penthouse apartments. These exquisite penthouses are now available for viewing, offering a glimpse into the luxurious living experience they provide. Throughout the entire process, Paul, a director at Kyson, oversaw the project from concept to completion. Following the project’s conclusion, the client achieved record-breaking rental rates for the office spaces, and the project itself received a Highly Commended distinction for the CIAT award for Technical Excellence in 2013.

The exposed London Stock Brickwork, oak cladding, glass reinforced concrete reception desk, and visible services are elements that particularly captivate us. These architectural features contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal and add a touch of character and uniqueness to the space. The large sash windows on the upper floors flood the floorplates with an abundance of natural light. As an office environment, we firmly believe that this Victorian warehouse conversion of an original building offers far more than a new build office block. As part of the work, we made a separate application to utilize the existing roof space for the creation of penthouse apartments. This decision allowed us to maximize the use of available space and create luxurious residential units with stunning views.

flat conversion london

Flat Conversion

One Bedroom Apartments

Situated in the vibrant vicinity of Silicone Roundabout (Old Street) and the Shoreditch Triangle, this former office and warehouse underwent a remarkable architectural transformation, emerging as a collection of stunning residential units through a flat conversion. This conversion process resulted in the creation of three one-bedroom apartments and one two-bedroom apartment, instantly tripling the value of the site. The impeccable finish of both the apartments and office space serves as a testament to the exceptional architectural quality of the development, further highlighting its highly sought-after location.

Victorian Warehouse

Originally part of a terrace, this three-story building retained the architectural charm of a Victorian workshop and warehouse. In order to comply with planning requirements and preserve employment opportunities, the existing ground floor was ingeniously partitioned, creating a mezzanine level. As a result, the ground floor now offers 1550 sqft of modern office space, perfectly positioned in the thriving Shoreditch district.

Architectural Features

The upper floors of the building underwent an impressive architectural flat conversion, resulting in elegant flats that boast captivating views and abundant natural light, thanks to the generous Victorian warehouse windows. Whenever possible, the original Victorian architectural features were carefully preserved and restored, showcasing ornate ironwork and exposed timber soffits. Exposing the existing timber soffits posed a significant challenge due to the need for fire separation between each flat conversion. However, extensive research and unwavering determination led to a solution that allowed the joists to remain exposed while meeting the stringent requirements of Building Control.

Planning Permission

To maximize space within the site’s constraints, ingenious measures were taken to incorporate external roof terraces, providing coveted outdoor amenity space for the majority of flats. These well-designed roof terraces offer residents a valuable extension of their living space, allowing for outdoor relaxation, entertainment, and breathtaking views. By utilizing the available roof area, we were able to create functional and enjoyable outdoor spaces that enhance the overall living experience for the residents.

 

Additionally, the loft area was architecturally converted, resulting in split-level configurations for Flats 3 and 4, utilizing the stepped facade at the rear of the building. The original king post trusses, which showcase the building’s rich architectural history, were proudly exposed, adding character and narrative to the space. Moreover, each apartment exceeds the minimum space standards, offering a spacious and light-filled architectural environment where period features seamlessly blend with modern finishes. This exceptional location provided the ideal canvas for creating residences that harmoniously combine architectural heritage and contemporary design, resulting in captivating living spaces that truly embody the best of both worlds.

Warehouse Conversion

Warehouse conversions hold a special place in our architectural hearts as they present an abundance of captivating features waiting to be exposed and celebrated. They provide an opportunity to explore intriguing architectural layouts while honoring the building’s architectural heritage. In this particular architectural project, the fusion of historic charm and thoughtful design resulted in exceptional living spaces that captivate and inspire.

 

Proposed Ground

1. Residential Entrance
2. Refuse Store
3. Services
4. Office Reception
5. Residential Stair
6. WC
7. Kitchen
8. Office

 

Proposed First

1. Residential Stair
2. Lobby
3. Flat 1 Hall
4. Bedroom
5. Kitchen/Dining/Living
6. Bathroom
7. Flat 2 Hall
8. Utility
9. WC
10. En-suite
11. Bedroom
12. Kitchen/Dining/Living

 

Proposed Second

1. Residential Stair
2. Lobby
3. Flat 3 Hall
4. Bedroom
5. Bedroom
6. En-suite
7. Bathroom
8. Kitchen/Dining/Living
9. Terrace
10. Flat 4 Hall
11. WC
12. Kitchen/Dining/Living
13. Terrace

 

Proposed Second

1. Flat 4 stair
2. Bedroom
3. En-suite
4. Flat 3 Stair
5. Bedroom
6. En-suite