The key challenge when we designed a mixed-use regeneration project on a high-profile site on Upper Tooting Road, was the retention of an historic 1930s Art Deco façade, a landmark feature of the townscape, within an attractive and distinctive new development that would offer more benefits to the wider community.

We developed a design solution that provided a mix of commercial space, a 96-bedroom hotel and 41 residential dwellings, which sit within the local context, maintaining the built edge of Upper Tooting Road, whilst allowing vehicle access and servicing to the rear of the site.

The iconic Art Deco façade of the 1923 Royal Arsenal Co-operative Society (RACS) building was retained and refurbished. The restoration of the façade required the creation of bespoke new Marmola faience tiles to match the original ones that had been manufactured in the 1930s by Shaws Glazed Brick Company.

We worked closely with Barrowfen Properties and future tenants to develop the technical design and planning, and delivered the project in four phases.

The retention and conservation of existing buildings is increasing in the built environment as a more sustainable approach to buildings and construction is an ever-present and important objective. At Chetwoods we are working on projects that retain and repurpose elements of existing buildings where possible.

In addition, Laurie Chetwood is currently designing a pioneering Circular Economy and retrofit project in Surrey, where the site’s design, development and eventual use will become a test bed and showcase for new design and construction technologies and processes, creating a new ‘Circular Lifestyle’ design code which will improve the creation of buildings and spaces that have a reduced impact on our planet and a positive impact on people.

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