A small but complex project, marrying retained Victorian fabric with new steel framed composite-deck construction, substantially re-building the rear facades whilst retaining existing party wall lines. Ingenuity and attentiveness was required throughout the design and construction phases in order to maximise ceiling heights in these laterally-arranged but fully-serviced flats, such as to maintain demanding performance levels of the thermal envelope and acoustic separation.

The planning of the apartments across the party walls and levels has led to providing functional bedrooms and maximising the kitchen and living spaces. ‘Island’ kitchens have efficiently dealt with low cill heights of existing windows, and at fourth floor level the mansard roof profiles have been fully expressed internally. An eclectic mix of 1,2 and 3 bedroom apartments, two as inverted duplexes, has created a contemporary but characterful family of apartments which were let immediately.

Pentons hardware store remained trading throughout the project. The new retail units will initially be let as pop-ups whilst public realm works are undertaken, before a longer-term mix of tenants are welcomed. This southern end of Marylebone Lane to Wigmore Street is seen as a prominent gateway to Marylebone, and ESA have been privileged to deliver this alongside the two flanking developments for the Howard de Walden Estate.