A Heritage Statement supporting a planning application for the regeneration of a brownfield site into a new Dental centre in Enfield (Chase Side) received approval. We were asked to assess the site’s redevelopment, which involves demolishing commercial and warehouse buildings to make way for a two-story building.
Due to its location in the Enfield Town Conservation Area and its proximity to significant listed buildings, such as Christ Church, the proposed scheme was evaluated based on its potential impact on the area’s heritage. To guide the design, we carefully observed and assessed the local historical architecture, using it to inform material choices and the overall formation of the new building.
The listed buildings in the area hold both historic and architectural importance, having originally functioned together as a mix of shops and homes in the 18th and 19th centuries. Their architectural significance was key in shaping the design approach. The balanced scale and massing of these historic structures influenced the design of the new building. Frontages characterized by a combination of brick and masonry, with recessed porches and protruding pilasters, served as important references in the design process.
Research and consultation suggested that the best design approach would blend a modern aesthetic with elements that reference the materials and composition of nearby buildings. The design made use of glass, a lightweight material, which not only enhances visual focus but also helps visitors better understand the site as a gateway to the Conservation Area and a neighbour to the Church. The Council praised the contemporary design for how it harmonised with the scale and height of local buildings, as well as for the positive relationship it fostered between the existing facades and the public space.