Warrington Crescent
Subscribe now to instantly view this image
Subscribe to the Architects’ Journal (AJ) for instant access to the AJ Buildings Library, an online database of nearly 2,000 exemplar buildings in photographs, plans, elevations and details.
Already a subscriber? Sign in
MW Architects (website) Download Original
Alteration and refurbishment of lower ground floor garden flat in grade II listed terrace including large structural changes, rear elevation alterations, internal layout changes and upgrading throughout
This was a back to basics project. The priority was to establish and enhance the three core architectural principles: shelter, space and light.
The existing garden flat at Warrington Crescent was cold, dark and damp with an extremely inefficient layout and had no real original features following previous works to the property. However, it did have some redeeming features: it was a large flat at 170sqm, had generous ceiling heights and direct access to both beautiful private and communal gardens.
To maximise the available natural light, a major structural move was required. This meant removing two sides of an internal light well in a Grade II listed building with six storeys of inhabited flats above. The wall, half a metre thick in places, had to be painstakingly propped, then five tons of steel work were installed and pre-stressed before the wall could be removed brick by brick. This procedure was successfully carried out with only 1 mm of movement in the brickwork above.
Having removed this major structural element, the flat could then be reoriented to include a beautiful open-plan kitchen, dining and living area with direct access to the private terrace and communal garden beyond. The space is calm with filtered light entering from two sides, whilst the connection to the rear adds to the sense of openness. The master bedroom gives directly on to the central courtyard, which provides natural daylight whilst maintaining privacy and tranquility in this busy London location. The new layout removed wasted and dark space, and created a seamless flow of public to private spaces.
Data
- Begun: Mar 2011
- Completed: Aug 2011
- Floor area: 180m2
- Sector: House
- Total cost: £236,180
- Procurement: Traditional - JCT Intermediate Building Contract with Contractor's Design [ICD 05]
- Address: Garden Flat, 5 Warrington Crescent, London, W9 1ED, United Kingdom
Professional Team
- Architect: MW Architects
- Client: Tom Lloyd
- Structural engineer: Brimstone Engineering
Suppliers
- Main contractor: KJV Construction