Status: Built

Building Cost: +1m

The proposed development is located within Tower Hamlets and includes No. 202-204 Brick Lane. The site is located to the east of the City of London and north of the River Thames, in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. The site is within the Spitalfields

Neighbourhood Area, specifically the Fournier Street and Brick Lane Conservation Area.

The subject site is located within a predominantly residential and commercial area of Brick Lane. The area is renowned for being a vibrant area attracting a wide range of business types, tourists and residents wanting to work and live amongst the excellent local amenities.

The property is a four storey on the eastern side of Brick Lane. It has commercial uses on the ground floor and residential above. At the rear, the site backs onto St Matthias Primary School and is visible from Bacon Street.

The building does not have any architectural merit; The front facade comprises traditional London stock brick and timber sash windows. The shop fronts of 202-204 Brick Lane appear as recent transformations based on historical influences.

Whereas the front facade shows a more consistent rhythm and hierarchy, the rear facades clearly show certain differences and alterations among the buildings that form part of the site.

This proposal aims to improve the outlook of the current building and, therefore, enhance Brick Lane and the Spitalfields Neighbourhood Area. It is also part of this proposal to provide better residential accommodation.

Our proposal consists of retaining the ground floor as two Class A3/A4 units, but enhance the internal residential layout of the above floors.

We are proposing a rear extension of 40sqm on both the second and third-floor levels and a stepped-back single-storey extension at the fourth-floor level. The client wishes to replace the existing sash windows with double-glazed sash windows (similar to existing ones) along the front and improve the frontage (residential entrance).

This proposal will provide 10 residential units (3 new residential units and 7 enhanced residential units). All units will meet London Plan Housing Standards.

Moreover, this proposal will enable the provision of cycling storage, separated refuse storage, some amenity space and landscaping zones.

The proposal does not affect the architectural character or unity of the existing building. The design has been developed based on an understanding of the original design and analysis of the building typology. The additional storey is in keeping with

historical and current precedent examples.

The windows along the front have been replaced with double-glazed sash windows to resemble the existing windows. The proposal continues the use of materials, detailing and form found in the existing building and neighbouring buildings again adding to the completed composition.

The site is not within any protected views, but an analysis of pedestrian views has been undertaken, and the roof extension will not be viewed from the pedestrian level.

Brick Lane provides an architectural opportunity to raise the roof line. The neighbouring buildings have a difference in skyline. We are proposing the new storey (fourth floor) to raise while stepping back so it is not visible from street level. This will contribute to the local skyline in a manner that is respectful of the Conservation Area, original design and streetscape.

The new fourth-floor storey and rear extension will be cladded with an outer layer of Cor-ten Brise Soleil and an inner layer of triple-glazed panels. The Brise Soleil will provide shade and privacy while the triple-glazed panels will enhance the thermal and acoustic performance.

Cor-Ten is a material that develops a richly textured patina and offers a good contrast with other materials. In a city environment, it fits well in older parts of downtown where there are brick buildings.

The outdoor landscaped gardens will be sub-divided into 3 Zones:

Zone 1: This consists of Gravel as this enables rainwater to drain and provides a more flattened surface around the perimeter.

Zone 2: This consists of Grass and plants that are not excessive in height. Their variety will enable residents to relax, observe and connect to nature.

Zone 3: This consists of plants of certain fragrances and vivid colours.