Mansfield Street

• LOCATION: W1, London
• PROJECT: Refurbishment
• CLIENT: Private domestic client
• ARCHITECT: Marianne Davys Architects
• M+E ENGINEER: David Miles & Partners
• CONTRACTOR: Creese & McKnight
• CONSTRUCTION COST: £270,000 + VAT
• CONTRACT: JCT Minor Works Building Contract
• DATE COMPLETED: 2015

Project brief

The exceptionally large south- and west-facing London apartment is on the third floor of a Grade II-listed 1930s mansion block close to Oxford Circus.

The brief was to replace the windows and refurbish the interior with energy-efficient and low-maintenance lighting, new kitchen and bathrooms, new fireplace, and built-in bookshelves and wardrobes, whilst preserving many original features, as well as features from a previous refurbishment.

Project specifics

The property was in relatively good condition, but the single-glazed inward-opening windows leaked, and noise from the street was a problem. The interior needed internal alterations to make it easy to maintain for an elderly couple, and to accommodate the client’s collection of paintings and books. The project required a good understanding of the original building, the apartment and the communal areas, and a sensitive approach to design.

Westminster Council also wished to keep as many original features as possible, so when it came to the windows permission was given to replace the inward-opening casements, but the frames had to be refurbished in situ using original ironmongery. It would have been easier and more cost-effective to fit new windows manufactured off site. Due to the freeholder’s restriction on external scaffolding, a special internal scaffold was designed so the window frames could be safely refurbished and painted inside and out from the inside. A request was made for planning permission to use acoustic glass in the new double-glazing, which was granted by the conservation officer as long as no visual differences were discernable. As the property is on the third floor and no difference could be seen at street level, permission was granted and acoustic glass was fitted in all windows, significantly reducing noise from the street.

Project challenges

• Obtaining planning permission and listed building consent from Westminster Council to replace the windows with double-glazed acoustic glass.
• Keeping the original 1930s light fittings, but replacing and colour matching the original light source of the fittings with new LED lighting.
• Working on site with occupied properties above, below and either side of the apartment.
• Working within the freeholder’s restrictions and rules for contractors that did not allow the erection of external scaffolding or use of the main lift. There was nowhere on site for rubbish pending collection, and the communal areas had to be kept clear and clean at all times.
• Finding a contractor who would comply with all the restrictions above and stay on good terms throughout the project with the porters in the building and many adjoining owners.