The tower was in need of refurbishment and restoration, having been converted into a residential property many years ago it was now a little unloved and tired. There were two aspects of the brief, there was the consolidation of weatherproofing to the building, as it had suffered from rain ingress and dampness. The second part of the brief was to convert the space into a cosy retreat, for the clients to relax and unwind in.
The six-month restoration stripped away doors, partitions, and thick, almost medieval window frames that had been added over the years to emphasize the building’s historic brickwork. Panes by two companies, Crittall and Smart Windows, were installed to maximize natural light and improve thermal performance.
The overall design objective was to form a narrative thread through the tower. A dynamic narrative was created through the building, starting with a new aluminium front door and a protruding window on the level above. The window acts like a camera lens puncturing the building at first floor level, focusing oneís view out to the garden and beyond. A window seat is also formed creating a space to sit, soaking up light.
A sculptural steel staircase connects the third and fourth floors. Manufactured off-site and lowered into the tower through a third-story window, it rises up through a newly created double-height space that was formed by cutting away part of the fourth floor.
The sculptural steel stair, was designed as an industrial feature in the day room, rising up through the double height space, culminating in a vaulted bathroom on the fourth floor, the centrepiece of which is a freestanding copper tub.
As part of the renovation, a carefully selected pallet of materials complements the existing brick allowing the original architecture to be clearly expressed against the new additions. The refurbishment looked to keep as much of the original fabric of the Tower as possible, reducing the need to waste materials, through extensive cleaning the brick was refreshed to the original colour. New windows were installed with improved thermal performance. The cottage adjacent to the tower contains the bedrooms and kitchens, it is also outfitted with solar panels.
Material Used :
1. Windows and Front Door - Monk Metal Windows
2. Staircase and Window Surround - Little hampton Welding (bespoke steel with oak treads)
3. Bath and basin - William Holland
4. WC - Duravit
5. Sliding Door Gear - Coburn
6. Flooring - Existing, sanded and treated with Osmo Hardwax oil
7. Rooflight - The Rooflight Company
