The client for this project procured the site with a view to converting the existing building using the Permitted Development policy.

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Situated near Eastcote tube station in Ruislip, within the London Borough of Hillingdon, the existing building was a tired 4 storey 1960’s office block with rear car parking. This type of building is relatively easy to convert in that the structure is generally concrete, with open spans with potential to add additional load.

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Our strategy was to internally convert the building into circa 30 residential units. A separate external application was sought to improve its appearance which was then followed by a vertical extension.

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The window proportions of the existing façade were elegant and generous – albeit housing-tired windows – which lent itself to replacement and internal conversion. They provided high quality natural daylight whilst using a bronze-coloured panel to create a playful pattern.

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This window strategy was replicated around the building, with new windows added using the same rhythm and proportion. Our strategy for the extension was to use a similar approach using a different material. An external naturally vented access deck was created using timber slats, so it read with the main building.

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Works were completed in 2020 on-site delivering circa 40-50 residential units.