Ironmongers’ Quarters

The refurbishment and extension of the oldest ironmongers in London to accommodate two apartments above ground floor retail space and a new family home to the rear.

Client

Private
Architect

Tuckey Design Studio
Photography

James Brittain
Completion

2016

The former site of the oldest ironmongers in London trading since 1797 has undergone a two-part refurbishment and extension. Our team undertook the full structural design working closely with the client and architect to produce beautiful and considered spaces which reactivates the building while respecting the heritage and history of the site.

The first part of the scheme consisted of the restoration of the double-height commercial unit and the design of the new apartments on the second and third storeys. The commercial unit on the ground floor was renewed with a sensitive renovation of the Georgian façade. The glass over the entrance — part of the original design of the building dating from the early 19th Century — was carefully restored, and internal areas were reconfigured to suit the change of commercial use. The layout of the second and third floors were significantly altered to meet the brief with a new ply feature staircase.

The second stage of the scheme created a new family home at the rear of the site. Connected by a single-storey walkway glazed at one side, the accommodation is split between the existing renovated 18th Century coach house and a new two and a half storey building.

The existing structure of the renovated coach house was largely retained with original timber joists left exposed and strengthened by fixing plywood on top of the original floorboards. Two of the internal walls and part of the first floor were removed creating open and inviting living spaces. A single storey dining room extension was added to one side of the existing building with materials carefully chosen to blend with the original colours and textures. On the other side of the existing building, a two-storey extension was added with the first floor cantilevering out one side.

Extending the full width of the site, the new timber building at the rear is accessed via the glazed walkway. It accommodates the family bedrooms, with one side facing a private courtyard almost entirely glazed providing ample sunlight. The exposed timber mullions of the glazing were also used structurally to help stiffen the floors above. Fire design was a key consideration to ensure sufficient support without adding or replacing too much of the existing structure. As much of the timber structure was exposed, the details were carefully developed by working closely with the architect to ensure the visual aspirations of the project were met.