dMFK Architects’ restoration, repurposing and upgrade of C.F.A. Voysey's iconic former wallpaper factory in Chiswick has provided the ailing Arts & Crafts building with a new lease of life. Nearly a century after leaving, Voysey House’s original commissioners returned as occupiers in 2024.
Originally constructed in 1902, the Grade II* Listed Voysey House is the only commercial building designed by celebrated architect C.F.A. Voysey. The five-storey structure was converted into offices following a fire in 1928 and faced piecemeal refurbishments over the years that diluted its identity.
Dorrington purchased Voysey House in 2020 and appointed longstanding collaborators dMFK to revive the purpose-built factory’s abundant character, transform its interiors into premium workspace and vastly reduce the building’s carbon emissions.
Following a considered consultation process, the project team secured permission to replace Voysey House’s non-original existing windows with ultra-thin double-glazing set within steel reproductions of the original frames. In addition to restoring C.F.A. Voysey’s original design intent, this has reduced the building’s U Value by over 50% and enabled the historic structure to achieve an EPC rating of A.
Previous interventions had introduced a garage, entrance lobby and raised working deck, resulting in a disjointed street presence and fragmented floorplate. The revised design has transformed this into a permeable triple-aspect space that is seamlessly integrated with its surroundings and welcomes passersby into Sanderson’s shopfront.
On the non-original upper floors, oxidised copper cladding has been incorporated within the internal lightwell amenity terraces, paired with “Voysey bottle green” architectural metalwork and window frames. This colour was selected to pay homage to Voysey House’s storied past, after being identified as the original choice through detailed paintwork analysis.
Historic England has described the restoration as a “subtle yet transformational” project which demonstrates “the value historic places have in our national story”. Read more about their endorsement on BBC News here.
