Foundry

In 2012 we moved into our new BREEAM 'Excellent' studios after radically transforming a dilapidated 19th century warehouse on the Regent's Canal in Islington, London.

The Foundry is located on a narrow, south-facing stretch of towpath. It falls within a conservation area and both the south brick wall facing the canal and the original timber roof trusses are locally listed.

Our design responds to the building's canal-side setting and the listed structural elements that had to be retained. An added complication was that the south brick wall was leaning by 250mm from bottom to top towards the canal and significant structural works were needed to arrest movement.

The structural solution that we devised was to insert a steel frame that interacts with the original Victorian steel frame and masonry. This stablises the existing building fabric, including the south wall and also supports the listed timber trusses.

Steel shear walls articulate the two circulation zones that frame the studio spaces. A horizontal truss, with intermediate supports, spans between the shear walls, supporting the failing south wall and creating a void against it. This allowed the double-height windows to remain largely as they were.

The first floor is self-contained and open plan, leaving the assembly of roof trusses undisturbed. The first floor has a particularly generous amount of daylight and cross ventilation. This was achieved by cutting the existing north wall off at first floor sill level, and hanging a continuous band of glazing from the new steel frame.

We have created a beautiful and efficient workplace for ourselves - proving that retrofit can be as inspiring as new build - but we are also using our first-hand experience of running a newly completed building as a research exercise.

Natural ventilation

Ventilation + Heat recovery

Photovoltaics

Sustainable building materials

Recycled materials

Occupancy sensors

On-site renewables

Daylighting maximised

Outdoor view maximised