Photos by Alicja Korbinska Photography

37 Doughty Street is a Grade II Listed Property within the Bloomsbury Conservation Area in London.

The development was the conversion and reduction of seven sub-standard apartments to five apartments, one per floor, suitable for modern living. The previous works undertaken to the property, which was built around 1800, had caused much damage to the historic features both internally and externally. There was a significant dialogue and negotiation with the conservation team at Camden Council to achieve the planning approval for the sensitive refurbishment. Although it had already been apartments the change to the number of units meant the property was treated as a change of use.

We worked closely with the Building Control Inspector and the Fire Consultant to introduce afire strategy to satisfy the stringent requirements of London Fire. This resulted in the sensitive inclusion of a mist system throughout and the conversion of a heritage window to the communal stairs to form a new Automatic Opening Vent.

There was the opportunity to sensitively install a wood fibre insulation system to the internal face of external walls where there was an existing void remaining from the frames that once supported silk wallpaper. To the upper floors this was combined with the reinstatement of the heritage skirting and the panelled window surrounds.

The reinstatement of lime pointing to the front and rear facade helped to reduce moisture in the walls, thereby improving thermal performance, as well as halting the deterioration of the soft Georgian brickwork. The move to a communal heating and hot water system not only allowed for improved efficiencies but also a significant reduction and co-ordination of the the pipework which had previously marred the building appearance.

The reinstatement of historic features to including the entablature and top light above the main entrance door and the reinstatement of much of the panelling to the entrance hall really helps to bring back the character of this historic property.

Project Roundup:

Client: Private Developer

Location: London, UK

Associated Blog: Retrofitting and improving heritage buildings