Conversion of the ground & basement into a mixed use development comprising a retail gallery for design objects, furniture and ceramics at ground floor with project space at the rear for events including food and wine tasting, film screenings, talks, presentations & workshops with the aim of building knowledge and understanding of the senses of taste as well as visual.

At basement level is a recording studio for an independent radio production company who provide programmes for BBC Radio and the world service and associated office space.

The principal challenge has been to bring light into the rear ground floor and basement recording studio. A new open stair in conjunction with a new rooflight that extends the full width of the site, is used to drop light into the ground and basement studio. A new light well at the front provides separate access and brings light and air into the front basement area.

Care has been taken to preserve the textural quality of the original fabric. The aim was to balance contemporary elements within the context of the existing interior, retaining a domestic intimacy. LLA’s role included working closely with the client’s specialist acoustic and ventilation consultants in the design and co-ordination of the recording studio. The programme, from LLA’s involvement in April to completion on site in July 2011 and working within a tight budget required creative methods to achieve the clients’ goals.