Previously a School of Music, Tower House School was founded in September 1931 with only 3 boys. Today, Tower House School provides education for 180 pupils from the local and surrounding boroughs. Covering pupils from age four to 13, the school had outgrown its Edwardian home which means that the once adequate classrooms are no longer suitable for employing 21st century teaching methods.
The development of 190 Sheen Lane provided four new classrooms with more space per child, providing a less cramped environment more conducive to todays teaching. A multi- purpose performance and play space also provides an indoor play facility that the school does not presently have, whilst also providing a flexible space which could be used for a number of different activities and events throughout the academic year, as well as the potential for community use during out of school hours.
We undertook a detailed, historical assessment of East Sheen which enabled us as designers, and the school as the client, to better understand the context and needs of the conservation area that the school sits within.
The removal of the unsympathetic residential building from the existing plot was a positive opportunity and in doing do so aiding in reinstating the architectural quality and unity of the streetscape. The new classroom building is sympathetic to the streetscape through the designed frontage to Sheen Lane and its choice of materials. We allowed the qualities of the surrounding buildings of the conservation area to subtly lead the new building in a form that is respectful and in keeping with the qualities of the Sheen Lane Conservation Area. The single storey multi-use space to the west of the site is partly hidden from Sheen Lane by the new classroom block that fronts the road. Its visual impact to the rear of the plot will be minimised through keeping the building’s height below that of the classroom block in front of it.
The first floor rooms of the building are partially within the roof space in order to maximize the new floor area gained whilst keeping the height subservient to the adjacent Building of Merit. Features that characterize the conservation area include bay windows, pitched roofs, dormer windows, and other typical Edwardian residential scale features.
"Following discussion we consider that this latest version is a good scheme, appropriate for the setting, but with buildings having a distinctive personality. The indication of materials shown has a good balance overall. In addition, this provides a good opportunity to improve the frontage treatment along Sheen Lane."
Conservation Team - Richmond and Wandsworth Councils
📸 Project Spotlight: St John the Baptist, Rochdale - Mosaic Restoration.
We`re excited to share our work on the Church of St. John the Baptist, Rochdale, a Grade II* listed landmark celebrated for its unique architectural features.
The absolute highlight of our role here has been overseeing the restoration of this nationally important 1933 Sanctuary mosaic, by Eric Newton. It`s breathtaking 💫
See the link in the bio for the @historicengland 3D tour of the mosaic, and keep following us for the next stages of this project.
#CrosbyGrangerArchitects #Mosaic #StJohnsChurch #HeritageRestoration #RochdaleLandmark #NorthArchitects
Jul 31
It’s been very exciting to be part of the work involved to bring a 16th Century Grade II listed pub in Northampton back to life. It has had a colourful life, in continual use as an inn since the 15th century, burnt down and e-built twice in the 16th and 17th century but continued thriving through the centuries until it sadly closed in 2018. We are leading the conservation work to refurbish the inn for the Churches Conservation Trust. A recent archaeological dig has made some fascinating finds, to read more about it use the link in our bio.
Thanks to @stuvincent_photos for the images
#heritage #conservation #greatestates #worldheritagesite #lakedistrict #coniston #vernacular #ldnp #aonb #nationalpark #kendal #vernaculararchitecture #ecclesiastical #crosbygranger #design #independentschools #spab
Jul 25
Our Associate Architect Amy Redman is just back from a hands-on working party in Alstonefield, Staffordshire. Organised by the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) it was also her chance to catch up with Scholars on the 2024 SPAB programme
@spab1877 believes that the best way to learn traditional building skills is through hands-on experience and we agree. The working parties offer a unique opportunity to learn from some of the country`s leading craftspeople.
Here`s a snapshot of what we got up to, involving hard work but lots of fun too! Read the full story over on our website.
#SPAB #spabworkingparty #PeakDistrictNationalPark #OldBuildings #Volunteering #Conservation #CrosbyGrangerArchitects #NorthArchitect
Jul 24
