The Brassworks
Introduction
The Brassworks is a beautiful conversion of a former factory building in central London into a series of stunning apartments. Located in a quiet mews street close to Marble Arch and Hyde Park, The Brassworks offers spacious, high-quality residential accommodation in a prime location thanks to Belsize Architects, who brought their skill and imagination to a previously hidden gem.
History of the building
The Brassworks was built in 1819 as a brass instrument factory for Distin’s Military Musical Instrument Manufactory. It was later used by Boosey & Co - a well-known manufacturer familiar to generations of musicians. During the 20th century it suffered from numerous alterations and significant damage, and was more recently used for offices. Although it was Grade II listed, the building was neglected and falling further into disrepair.
The conversion
Belsize Architects were engaged by the Church Commissioners to convert the building - previously known as 6A-10 Frederick Close - into a series of loft-style apartments. Belsize Architects were anxious to create attractive, liveable spaces while respecting the original structure as much as possible, and worked with the building to give it a new life for contemporary residential use.
At ground floor, an imposing central entrance gives way to a warm, welcoming reception area. On either side, car parking and other facilities are screened behind large arched doorways, whose gates contain a playful brass motif referencing the building’s musical history. Tucked away on this level lie two apartments, including a particularly playful flat with irregular walls, an internal glazed courtyard and a sunken media room.
From the first floor level, Belsize Architects have exploited the U-shaped layout of the building. A series of former workshops were removed to create a central courtyard which now acts as a focal point for the building. The central garden, containing a specially-commissioned bronze sculpture, is a peaceful haven and brings daylight and a sense of space into the heart of every apartment. The apartments facing the courtyard at ground level enjoy privacy thanks to a series of screen-printed sliding glass panels that add further visual interest to the facades.
Each apartment has been designed to the highest specification including custom-made kitchens and furniture, en-suite bathrooms and bespoke wardrobes in all bedrooms and high-specification flooring and other finishes. State-of-the art heating, cooling and AV technology has been used throughout the development, and the energy efficiency of the building has been maximised wherever possible.
Nevertheless, the heritage of the original building shines through: for example the bronze-effect windows and huge steel beams traversing each apartment are a reminder that the contemporary living spaces are contained within a building that remains full of history and character. Externally, the original facade has been restored, allowing the building to sit proudly once again within its conservation area setting.
The project budget was £6.5million and it was completed in March 2012.
Steel windows: West Leigh, http://www.west-leigh.co.uk
Sliding screens: Alco Beldan (Glass Marte), http://www.alcosystems.co.uk
Glass and metal specialists: Culmax, http://www.culmax.co.uk
Stone suppliers and installers: Marmi Limited, http://www.marmiltd.co.uk
Water feature:
Water Feature Company, http://www.thewaterfeaturecompany.co.uk
Joinery specialist: Suffolk and Essex Joinery Ltd, http://www.sejoinery.co.uk
Kitchens: Connaught Kitchen, http://www.connaughtkitchens.co.uk/
Audiovisual: London Media Room, http://www.londonmediarooms.com/
Products: Radmat Roofing Building Products, http://www.radmat.com/
Roofing installers: Richardson Roofing, http://www.richardson-roofing.com/
Lifts: http://www.schindlerlifts.co.uk/ukc-index
Sanitary fittings: Hansgrohe, http://www.hansgrohe.co.uk/
Duravit, http://www.duravit.co.uk/
Catalano Bathroom, http://www.catalano.co.uk/
Light fittings: Wever Ducré, http://www.wever-ducre.com/en/home/
Targetti-Essedra, http://www.targetti.com/
John Cullen, http://www.johncullenlighting.com/
Delta Light, http://www.deltalight.com
Interior design (for show apartments): Perring Design Ltd,
www.perringdesign.co.uk
