Southgate & Sarabia Architects (SASA) were commissioned to transform this former early 20th century school into seventeen apartments. This magnificent building had previously been converted into a training centre, before planning permission was granted in 2020 to convert the building into residential dwellings.
The original design of the Victorian school unlocked the opportunity to create exceptionally light and airy apartments. The building had two storeys of accommodation, with double height spaces per floor. In Victorian times this would have created an ideal classroom environment with an abundance of light and air. Now these double height spaces presented an opportunity to design appealing mezzanine spaces, as well as allowing room for two-bedroom apartments.
A mixture of one and two bed apartments were designed. The two bed apartments are situated on the first floor, thus allowing them to take advantage of the roof space with Velux skylights as windows. This also created an alternative escape route, in addition to the protected stairs and corridors to the apartment’s main front door.
Each apartment boasts elegantly restored tall period windows, new insulated liner walls, acoustic floor finishes, stylish contemporary kitchens and chic fully tiled bathrooms, complemented with a touch of teal wall colour.
All electric heating gives tenants opportunity to source their most sustainable suppliers; whilst the scheme will allow for longer term connections to photovoltaic on site.
The once all tarmac playgrounds have been mostly lifted to create lush green spaces and on- site gardens for tenants. Incorporating finished lawns, seating areas, trees, shrubs and selected annuals. The remaining original playground area has been turned into an ample secure car parking space for all residents, utilising the boundary stone original walls and railings.
These exceptional designs has created an extremely desirable residential offer, with huge appeal to both the buyers and rental market alike. Subsequently all the apartments have been quickly secured by owner occupiers and investors.