This allows substantial thermal insulation
and flexibility in opening positions for various
window types and concealing rainwater down
pipes within the external wall construction so
as not to disrupt the neatness of the façade and
internal space.
The residents were keen to increase views
and natural daylight to the rooms surrounding
the courtyard. External basement staircases,
originally conceived as part of the bespoke fire
strategy, were omitted and lobbies introduced
at ground floor along with glazed screens to the
living spaces.
Larger glazed panels were introduced to the rear
gardens along with bi-parting sliding doors. A
similar approach was taken to the design of the
oriel windows with the opening sash relocated to
the side panels to create a single sheet of glazing
creating the ‘gold fish bowl’ effect.
Brick detailing was critical to the final
appearance of the building this included
integrating the differing window reveal depths.
The brick balconies were altered during the
original planning process due to the planners
concern about the bulk of full brick balustrades
facing the road therefore the front balustrades
were revised to steel railings.
The original courtyard glazing, designed as a
matrix of smaller composite framed window
panels, were replaced with a structural glazed
curtain walling system allowing unobtrusive
floor to ceiling glass complimented with full
height sliding doors with glazed balustrades; the
opening up of the courtyard allowing one owner
to install a green wall with water feature.
The high quality finish of the building was due
to the contractor’s ability to offer a bespoke
service to the residents allowing them to vary the
internal finishes including the cabinets, tiling
and sanitary wear. Our collaborative relationship
with the contractor and expertise as an RIBA
Chartered Practice enabled us to understand the
complexity of the planning design and detail
sympathetically to the original design intent.
www.peterbarberarchitects.com
www.mark-fairhurst.co.uk
15