We were invited to revive Shaldon Mansions - a much-altered 1900s mansion block on the corner of Charing Cross Road and Denmark Street – as part of our Tin Pan Alley project.
Years of short-sighted alterations had left the handsome 8-storey building with many heritage features removed or concealed, and elevations cluttered with servicing routes.
We began with thorough research to understand the French Baroque style building with its distinctive steeply pitched gable roofs.
After revealing original façade details, we began a careful process of editing and removing added elements before reinstating lost stone and brickwork using traditional crafts.
Dilapidated windows were replaced with new slimline double-glazed timber casements to improve thermal and acoustic performance - a dark grey frame allowing stone and brickwork to be most prominent.
At ground floor, existing swept arches were uncovered behind shopfronts and restored to define the historic retail streetscape.
The rooftop was entirely remodelled to geometrically lock into the existing envelope whilst drastically improving the residential accommodation. A series of contemporary zinc, folded metal and slate interventions – including a kite shaped canopy - were created below the height of the existing gable walls.
Inside this envelope on 6th and 7th floors, two compromised units were combined to offer a single family sized apartment with balconies to living spaces and clerestory windows to bedrooms.
Residential accommodation on levels 1-5 was meticulously re-planned and a new dry riser inserted as part of a fire strategy for the building.
For our client, the restoration of Shaldon Mansion has increased residential and retail space, and significantly improved the identity and appeal of this historic building.
Most importantly, our dexterity in carefully reinstating the charm and beauty of this historic building – in barely visible actions – means it will be enjoyed by future generations.
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