A heritage assessment wins support for a new roof extension on a building in a sensitive central London location.
The scheme brings about the modernisation of the former BBC offices of Brock House, which opened in 1908. It then formed an important social role as the Philharmonic Hall. The building is characterised by red brick walls and Portland stone with quoins and arched window heads.
The building sits in the Harley Street Conservation Area, is adjacent to BBC Broadcasting House and All Souls Church (Grade 1 listed). The Langham Hotel is on the opposite side of Portland Place. Initial townscape assessment and heritage advice at the pre-application stage informed a sympathetic extension. This formed part of the detailed planning application.
As a building identified in the Conservation Area Appraisal as one where a roof extension would be acceptable, we illustrated how the new would be suited. It would sit within the many examples of townhouses whose butterfly roofs (set behind a parapet) have been altered. Numerous mansard roof extensions in the area are a precedence too.
We reviewed the range of styles in the context, with the Classical, Gothic and Flemish idiom being widespread; red brick, stucco and terracotta are popular mediums. This is most represented by the Victorian mansion blocks above shops on Great Portland Street which have bright brick and a range of Arts and Crafts detailing.
We commented on the proposed design and its reference to the general scale and height of the existing building. The additional storey expresses itself to the front of the building line and is seen as stepping back on a gradual slope. The modernity of the new mansard establishes and evokes respect for the Classical style seen on the main elevation.
The changes proposed at the upper level sit well within the interesting skyline that runs between Great Portland Station and Oxford Street to the south. A lightweight double storey addition in the context of the Church is a positive reflection on the listed building and its distinct roofline.
A heritage assessment helped win support for a new roof extension on a building in a sensitive central London location.
The scheme brings about the modernisation of the former BBC offices of Brock House, which opened in 1908. as the Philharmonic Hall. The building is characterised by red brick walls and Portland stone with quoins and arched window heads.
The building sits in the Harley Street Conservation Area, is adjacent to BBC Broadcasting House, All Souls Church and the Langham Hotel. Initial townscape assessment and heritage advice at the pre-application stage helped inform a sympathetic extension. This then formed part of a detailed planning application.
s this represented the use of an economic and durable building material. As a building identified in the Conservation Area Appraisal as one where a roof extension would be acceptable, we illustrated how the new would be suited. It would sit within the many examples of townhouses whose butterfly roofs (set behind a parapet) have been altered and now have mansard roof extensions.
There are variations on the Classical, Gothic and Flemish idiom in the wider context, with red brick, stucco and terracotta being popular mediums. This is most represented by the Victorian mansion blocks above shops on Great Portland Street which have bright red brick and a range of Arts and Crafts detailing.
The Heritage statement influenced the proposed design and its reference to the general scale and height of the existing building. The additional storey expresses itself to the front of the building line on all sides and will be seen as stepping back on a gradual slope. The mansard is an addition that is clearly modern but helping to establish and evoke respect for the Classical style seen on the main elevation.
The changes proposed at the upper level are designed to sit well within the interesting skyline started at the top of Great Portland Street near Great Portland Station and ending at the junction with Oxford Street. A lightweight double storey addition in the context of the Church would reflect well the listed building and its distinct roofline.