Chiltern Firehouse Courtyard Glazed Entrance Canopy and Cloister

The proposal was developed for a glazed cloister hugging two sides of the fire station courtyard while standing independently from the original fabric. The yard is left open in the centre in line with the original architect’s plan. The cloister is 3m deep and follows structures drawn by the original architect using a language of patent glazing and cast iron supports.

Further refinement of the details and profiles was drawn from the character of the fire station's angular façade reinstated in the original hotel project. Alongside this, the architects studied contemporary drawings by Paxton of similar freestanding cast iron and glazed structures that provided both slenderness as well as an architectural hierarchy of base, column and capital. These elements that were carefully modelled, cast in a foundry and combined with carefully proportioned sections of steelwork provide an elegant frame including curved sections that follow the contours and profile of the original building.

The structure is painted gloss black and sits within the cobbled courtyard. Working with the hotel’s design team, the structure has been decorated, including planting with wisteria and attractive furniture, and now provides an external dining space as sought after as the hotel’s original bar and interna
ining room.

The cloister not only provides shelter and warmth but architecturally has enhanced the nature of the hotel’s external area, the public’s approach and the guest arrival experience on visiting the hotel.

Annual CO2 data was not provided