This project is in an emerging practice tradition of finding aspects of a given situation “almost OK”, but in need of attention. In this case retained rather than demolish the 1930s frontage as it had a familiar presence and contributed character to the street. The fabric behind had outlived its usefulness. Although never a typical Marylebone mews, here was an opportunity to establish a scale of building in that tradition.
The project is a composite of five three-story-townhouses facing the mews embedded in a larger apartment building addressing Marylebone High Street. With a deep plan and central core, the apartment building is relatively conventional, but the houses are less so, introducing a three-storey court and retractable roof, and allowing flexibility between internal and external occupation. The apartment building – largely unseen from the mews – steps back in section, providing balconies.