09/01/2017
Office to apartment conversion, Richmond Buildings, Soho
From mundane office space to 9 high-end residential apartments; the transformation of Richmond Buildings in Soho. HL Studio and developer English Rose Estates worked with MBL to transform Richmond Buildings in the heart of London’s Soho into a highly desirable development of 9 apartments.
The project, which comprises a three-bedroom penthouse, two three-bedroom apartments and six one-bedroom apartments, has added character to the building with a design that reflects the vibrancy of its surroundings, while remaining sensitive to its location within the Westminster Soho conservation area.
Central to the brief was the desire to create maximum impact for the owner and residents. Patrick Hegarty, Director, HL Studio explains: ‘We understand the importance of paying close attention to the customer’s needs and aspirations – and applied our knowledge of leisure, retail and commercial design, and the experience gained working with clients, such as Virgin on Upper Class Clubhouse Lounges and cruise ships, and with Maison Margiela, to create an elegant, comfortable and functional scheme.’
With a Central London location, space was at a premium. The excavation of the lower-ground floor enabled the creation of additional bedrooms and two exterior courtyards. A fourth floor was added with a roof top garden; this required close co-operation with the London Borough of Westminster. Maximising existing space was crucial, as was ensuring sufficient ‘breathing space’ between transitional zones. This was achieved by, for example, using clear glazed screens for stair balustrades and antique mirrored panels in hallways.
Every square inch has to work hard and therefore flexibility, and the ability for areas to multi-function, were key. Within the one-bedroom apartments a neat sliding pocket door between the living area and the bedroom/bathroom gives the option of an en-suite. To gain maximum floor-to-ceiling height in the penthouse, the structural beams and areas between joists were fireproofed, clad with timber and painted to create a high, faux loft-style ceiling.
Plenty of storage has been incorporated, with linen cupboards in hallways, recessed cabinets and vanity units in bathrooms, separate laundry closets with washing machines, and basement vaults tanked out to create additional useable space. The irritations that can accompany a busy urban lifestyle have been addressed, for example there is room to store suitcases, bedrooms in which king-size beds and dressing tables can fit comfortably, and AC heating and cooling installed.
While conforming to fire and building regulations, the apartments have been kept as open as possible. En suite bathrooms are configured to incorporate obscured ribbed glass into the internal walls, thereby increasing daylight, and the sense of space and wellbeing. Large windows with Juliet balconies have been installed to the front elevation, while full-height sliding doors to the rear allow daylight to flood in. The lighting scheme features a family of light sources, including pendants, wall lights and low-level lighting – this allows different moods to be created, while maintaining continuity. The luminaires highlight the materials, textures and architectural elements creating focal points, for example, feature pendants above the stairs, kitchen islands and dining areas, and five-amp circuits throughout, giving residents the freedom to create their own ambience.
Courtyard gardens to the lower-ground and ground-floor apartments provide an oasis of calm, while allowing daylight to penetrate the interior. The tones and materials, such as timber and brick, echo those used inside, pulling the scheme together. The penthouse has an extensive rooftop garden with views of the London skyline. This is accessed via stairs through a motorised rooflight, and features an exterior shower and services for a BBQ and hot tub.
Photo credit: Unleashed Agency: Richmond Buildings by HL Studio