We were approached to reconfigure an inter-war property consisting of two maisonettes. The brief was to rationalize the layouts to bring them up to modern living standards with enhanced environmental performance.

For the upper maisonette there was the opportunity to replacing the roof access enclosure with a contemporary extension including habitable space.

The building is set within a conservation area in Marylebone, a distinctive enclave primarily built in the 1930s. While the local area is characterised by formal facades, these uniform parapets conceal a much less uniform roofscape.

Internally, despite the large windows, there was limited natural light to many rooms due to the configuration of the spaces. It was therefore important to ensure the new layouts realised the full potential of the windows in allowing daylight and views throughout the property.

Improving building safety was another driver, with a new stair for the upper maisonette required to safely access the roof extension. The building had a bespoke fire strategy implemented with AOVs and mist systems to ensure the safety of the inhabitants.

Our vision was to create a ‘hidden’ contemporary extension, set back from the principal façade. In keeping with the traditional ‘grey’ palette of asphalt coverings seen on the existing roof access structures, we used a standing seam cladding for the primary building material.

Internally materials are to be robust, with light finishes to make the best use of the daylight admitted into the interior. Throughout, timber joinery detailing and surfaces lend a contemporary, warmer hue.