47 Great Marlborough Street

London, W1

The transformation of a historic Soho townhouse combining an innovative new-build office extension with a restaurant and penthouse apartment.

Originally built as a townhouse in the 18th century, 47 Great Marlborough Street has been much altered over the years and was for many years the home of the London College of Music. The project involved a sensitive restoration of the existing building, retaining and re-using existing components where possible, while introducing new elements to fully modernise the property. Crafted to an exacting standard, the project celebrates the juxtaposition between period features and contemporary additions.

The original façade has been painstakingly revived, and an additional door has been introduced to the main elevation to allow for a separate entrance to the new 250 person restaurant at ground and basement levels. These floors have been carefully restored and upgraded, retaining the grand orchestral hall of the music school, and exposing the timber joists, cast iron columns and original brickwork.

The upper floors of the office and residential apartment are accessible via a newly-renovated main entrance door and grand reception space from Great Marlborough Street. The common areas have been extensively refurbished with oak finishes and textured plaster, complemented by soft lighting and contemporary fittings. To the front of the building, the interior office spaces retain a sense of the Georgian Townhouse with delicate cornicing and original timber beams. To the rear, the floors open up to a new extension providing prime quality office space, naturally lit and ventilated through west-facing Crittal glazing and frameless skylights. The lighting scheme on each floor differs slightly in response to climatic conditions and design aesthetics. At each level, full-width bifold doors open up to large balconies offering further opportunities for space and light.

Biophilia is prominent throughout the building with an extensive green wall at second floor, integrated planters to the west façade and a large Holm oak tree to the external terrace.

At the top of the building, the existing mansard has been replaced by a new high-spec roof allowing for a generous two-bedroom apartment. The apartment has access to a rooftop terrace, complete with swimming pool set behind the hip of the mansard. This terrace has views over a delightful green roof which covers the entirety of the rear extension.

Interior Designer | Satila Studios

Photographs | Timothy Soar

Location

London, W1

Client

Satila Studios

Sector

Office, Residential, Retail

Year

2020

Value

Confidential

Awards

Architects Journal Retrofit Awards Shortlist