The Old Printworks, Nettlefold Place
We have designed the change of use and alterations to an office building into a two-bedroomed maisonette and ground floor one-bedroom flat both with private terraces, in West Norwood, London, SE27.
A former printworks, the building constructed in the early 20th Century is located behind the Old Public Library in the heart of West Norwood close to St. Luke’s Church and former South Metropolitan Cemetery.
The design is sensitive to it’s historic environment and retains the existing elevation to Nettlefold Place. The rear of the property faces a private residential garden and the main line railway behind therefore screening is proposed to prevent overlooking.
The street combines both commercial and residential uses therefore the rear alterations had to consider daylight and sunlight issues to the neighbouring properties. BRE carried out a survey to demonstrate the suitability of the new massing relative to the neighbours and daylight and sunlight to the new flats.
The design utilises the existing building making subtle alterations. A new dormer window to the rear creates a living space for the maisonette that leads on to a terrace with surrounding timber privacy screen. The existing rear wall is proposed to be cut back to create a private garden for the ground floor flat.
The flats have been designed with a sustainable design approach. An air source heat pump is suggested to supply hot water to minimise fossil fuel use. New landscaping to the first floor terrace and garden is proposed. Cycle storage is provided to both properties. The property is well located for public transport a few minutes’ walk to West Norwood Station and a busy bus route.
The internal alterations create new spacious living and kitchen areas while also integrating well with the existing structure creating well-lit, and flexible environments. The new residential accommodation will help address the need for new housing in the area.
