GIBSON THORNLEY

5 CHARTERHOUSE SQUARE GIBSON THORNLEY Architect Gibson Thornley Architects Limited www.gibsonthornley.com [email protected] No.4 The Hangar Perseverence Works 25-27 Hackney Road London E2 7NX +44 (0)20 7729 7064

Project manager Ingleby Trice

Cost consultant Exigere

Heritage consultant Dorian Crone Dorian Crone

Structural Engineers Symmetries

Services Engineers XC02 DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT

1.0 Introduction 3.13 Basement Rear Room 4.05 Proposed Basement Floor Plan 6.02 Sash Window Proposal 1.01 Scope of the Application 3.14 First Floor Plan 4.06 Proposed WCs and Shower 6.03 Existing & Proposed Rear Elevation 1.02 The Application 3.15 First Floor Front Room 4.07 Proposed First Floor Alterations 3.16 First Floor Middle Room 4.08 Proposed First Floor Plan 7.0 Access 2.0 The Site 3.17 First Floor Rear Room 4.09 Proposed Second Floor Alterations 2.01 Borough-wide Context 3.18 Second Floor Plan 4.10 Proposed Second Floor Plan 8.0 Proposed Areas 2.02 Historic Context 3.19 Second Floor Front Room 4.11 Proposed Third Floor Alterations 2.03 Planning Context 3.20 Second Floor Middle Room 4.12 Proposed Third Floor Plan 9.0 Summary 3.21 Second Floor Rear Room 4.13 Third Floor Interior Proposals 3.0 The Existing Building 3.22 Third Floor Plan 4.14 Proposed Fourth Floor Alterations 10.0 Appendices 3.01 No.5 Charterhouse Square 3.23 Third Floor Front Room 4.15 Proposed Fourth Floor Plan 10.1 Appendix A London Borough of Islington Pre- 3.02 Building Act of 1774 3.24 Third Floor Rear Room application Letter 3.03 The Front Elevation 3.25 Fourth Floor Plan 5.0 Interior Proposals 10.2 Appendix B Planning Application Drawings 3.04 The Rear Elevation 3.26 Fourth Floor Front Room 5.01 The Hierarchy of Spaces in a Typical Georgian 3.05 Ground Floor Plan 3.27 Fourth Floor Rear Room House 3.06 Ground Floor Front Room 3.28 Stair 5.02 Typical Room Panelling 3.07 Ground Floor Middle Room 5.03 Fireplaces 3.08 Ground Floor Rear Room 4.0 Plan Proposals 5.04 Existing & Proposed Hierarchy of Spaces 3.09 Ground Floor Entrance Lobby & Corridor 4.01 Proposed Ground Floor Alterations 5.05 Existing & Proposed Wall Panelling 3.10 Basement Floor Plan 4.02 Proposed Ground Floor Plan 3.11 Basement Front Room 4.03 Proposed Ground Floor Extension 6.0 Elevational Proposals 3.12 Basement Middle Room 4.04 Proposed Basement Floor Alterations 6.01 Existing & Proposed Front Elevation

5 CHARTERHOUSE SQUARE | DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT 3 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 SCOPE OF THE APPLICATION This report has been produced on behalf of the Charterhouse in support of the planning application for the redevelopment of No.5 Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6PX.

This report is solely for this purpose. The applicants do not accept any liability to any third party for the contents of this report.

All areas included have been measured from plans produced during concept design stages and are approximate and illustrative only. Further development for the design, measurement and constructions tolerance may affect these areas.

This report details the Client’s brief and vision, the primary constraints and opportunities for the site and the core design principles. It also illustrates the specific proposals for each element of the scheme.

This Design & Access Statement should be read in conjunction with all the drawings and documents that make up the Application. The proposals and analysis of the existing building have been largely informed by the Heritage Statement prepared by Dorian Crone that also forms part of this application.

1.2 THE APPLICATION

The application is made for the redevelopment of No.5 Charterhouse Square. The application follows a recent pre-application meetings with the London Borough of Islington. Islington’s pre-application advice is included within the appendix of this report.

The planning application proposes the restoration of the principle building and reinstatement of many of the heritage features. A ground level, rear extension is also proposed.

The existing building is largely for commercial office use with a residential apartment at the top level (fourth floor). The proposals do not alter the current land use. The building is currently vacant.

The building accommodation is organised over 6 stories (basement, ground and 4 upper levels).

The proposed building has its main frontage and entrance onto Charterhouse Square. A small yard exists Planning application site to the rear and shares its eastern boundary with the external space to the property on Aldersgate Street.

4 5 CHARTERHOUSE SQUARE | DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT 2.0 THE SITE 2.1 BOROUGH-WIDE CONTEXT Situated in the southern part of the London Borough of Islington, the site is located on the eastern side of Charterhouse Square. The site is within the Charterhouse Square Conservation Area.

The site is currently occupied by an existing office building with a residential apartment at its fourth floor. The building is Grade 2 listed.

The Charterhouse have recently acquired the building which is currently vacant. The proposals are for the refurbishment and extension of the existing building. There is no proposed change to the existing land-use.

The site is within the southern part of the London Borough of Islington Charterhouse Square Conservation Area within the London Borough of Islington

5 CHARTERHOUSE SQUARE | DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT 5 2.0 THE SITE 2.1 BOROUGH-WIDE CONTEXT The site is defined by Charterhouse Square to the northern edge of the square and beyond. The death in 1611, endowed a hospital (almshouse) and occupies a building overlooking the square. (to the west) comprise commercial buildings west, No. 4 Charterhouse Square to the south, Florin northern part of the square was a former Carthusian school on the site, which opened in 1614, supporting Florin Court immediately adjacent to the site including the Malmaison hotel. The Barbican Court to the north, and the rear boundary wall of monastery founded in 1371. The Charterhouse was 80 pensioners (known as ‘brothers’). The school comprises residential apartments. It is an Art Deco complex is located just to the east of the site on the No. 124 Aldersgate Street to the east. dissolved as a monastery in 1537, and in 1545 was for boys coexisted with the home for pensioners building built in 1936 by Guy Morgan and Partners eastern side of Aldersgate Street. purchased by Sir Edward North and transformed until 1872 when Charterhouse School moved to who worked until 1927 for Edwin Lutyens, it features The surrounding context is varied without a into a mansion house. Following North’s death, the Godalming in Surrey. an impressive curved façade with projecting wings, prevailing land-use or architectural character. property was bought by Thomas Howard, 4th Duke a roof garden, setbacks on the ninth and tenth However, the buildings are largely in commercial of Norfolk, who was imprisoned there in 1570 after Following this, the Merchant Taylors’ School floors and a basement swimming pool. and residential use. The complex of the scheming to marry Mary, Queen of Scots. Later, occupied the buildings until 1933. The square Charterhouse buildings are located along the Thomas Sutton bought the Charterhouse, and on his also lends its name to a preparatory school which The properties on the opposite side of the square

Overview of the site looking east

6 5 CHARTERHOUSE SQUARE | DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT Overview of the site looking west Overview of the site looking north

5 CHARTERHOUSE SQUARE | DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT 7 2.0 THE SITE 2.2 HISTORIC CONTEXT The site sits within the Charterhouse Square include properties formerly in the City of London. business or residential areas. Conservation Area and there are a number of listed Bordering on Smithfield Meat Market, this area buildings in the vicinity of the site. At the heart of has the longest history of any part of the borough. Together with the adjoining Clerkenwell Green (No.1) the conservation area is Charterhouse Square, that Buildings and streets survive from medieval times, and Hat and Feathers (No.26) Conservation Areas, is characterised by cobblestones and granite setts, including The Charterhouse, together with fine the area has a special character and appearance, iron bollards and lampposts. The Charterhouse are buildings from later centuries, many originally and special policies for the Clerkenwell/Smithfield currently taking forward improvement works to the related to Smithfield Market. The character of area exist in the Unitary Development Plan for its square and central gardens. the Charterhouse Square Conservation Area also protection and enhancement. The Charterhouse depends on its great variety of uses, and the Square Conservation Area contains a mixture The Charterhouse Square Conservation Area was juxtaposition of different activities, cheek-by-jowl, of commercial, institutional, recreational and first designated in 1969 and extended in 1994 to sets this area apart from more homogeneous residential uses.

THE SITE

Grade II listed buildings

Grade I listed buildings Listed buildings within the surrounding context

8 5 CHARTERHOUSE SQUARE | DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT There are a range of buildings and features within almshouses for eighty male pensioners; these works left, three-window range over gateway. Steps up to restaurants and offices), with underground car and the tower blocks have thick upswept concrete the conservation area that are Grade I and Grade were carried out in 1613-14 and were to the design round-arched entrance; good doorcase with fluted parking, pedestrian walks and canal. Designed balustrades developed by Ove Arup and Partners in II listed. Set out below are a number of important of Francis Carter; the almshouses continue to this Corinthian pilasters, frieze with moulding upswept in 1955-59, arts centre element redesigned 1964-8; consultation with the architects in 1961.” buildings that are listed in the vicinity of the day. The fourth stage consists of alterations to the the centre, segmental pediment, fanlight with head built with modifications in 1962-82 to the designs application site: existing buildings and the addition of Preachers’ keystone and carved spandrels, panelled door of of Chamberlin, Powell and Bon (subsequently 04 No. 4&5 Charterhouse Square Court and Pensioners’ Court by Edward Blore in original design. All windows flat-arched with frames Chamberlin, Powell and Bon (Barbican)) for the The building that occupies the application site is 01 The Charterhouse 1826-40; Preachers’ Court was largely demolished almost flush with the wall and 9/9 or 6/6 sashes Corporation of the City of London; engineers, Ove Grade II listed along with its neighbouring building A Grade I listed complex of buildings on the after the Second World War; Pensioners’ Court of original design; moulded brick storey bands Arup and Partners. at No. 4. The listing description is as follows: northern side of the square. The listing description is separately listed. The fifth stage was the to all floors; parapet; end stack to east. Cast-iron is as follows: reconstruction of the buildings following bomb railings to area. The gatehouse, which stands a little Poured in situ reinforced concrete with exposed “Terraced houses. Early C18 with late C18 doorcases. damage of 1941 when all four sides of Master’s Court forward of the house, has separate carriage- and surfaces largely pick hammered and with smaller Yellow brick with red brick dressings. Four storeys “The Charterhouse buildings reflect five principal were burned out, the great staircase was destroyed foot-ways under four-centred arches, the carriage areas bush hammered, exposing Pen Lee granite over basement, three-window range to no 4, three- building periods. The first is the building of the and the Great Hall and Great Chamber were badly arch moulded with hoodmould with corbelled stops, aggregate, with glazed engineering brick cladding and-a-half to no 5. Flat-arched entrances to inner Carthusian Priory of the Salutation of the Virgin damaged.” the footway dating from the early C19; over this to City of London School for Girls, the Guildhall bays with paired wooden doorcases of panelled Mary, founded by Sir Walter Manny in 1371; the arch, a flat timber canopy supported on carved lion School of Music and Drama, Wallside, the Postern pilasters, enriched entablature and garlands over early buildings of the Priory are attributed to 02 The Master’s Lodge brackets with a cornice running the width of the and plinths to lakeside blocks and water features. pilasters; overlight, and panelled door of original Henry Yevele. The second is the transformation A Grade I listed building located on the western side gatehouse wings.” Flat asphalted roofs, paved with concrete tiles in design to no 4. All windows flat-arched with heads of the monastic buildings into a Tudor mansion, of Charterhouse Square. The listing description is as keeping with the wall finishes. The main blocks of gauged red brick and red brick dressings; frames following the suppression of the Priory in 1537; follows: 03 Barbican are supported by concrete columns forming an set almost flush with the wall; moulded brick storey this happened in two stages, first and principally A Grade II post-war complex of building located extension to the bored piles sunk up to 60ft deep. bands to ground, first and second floors, plain under the hand of Sir Edward North, from 1545, and “Terraced house dated 1716 on rainwater heads to the east of the site. The listing description is as The tower blocks’ main structure is formed by a brick storey band to third floor; chamfered quoins secondly under that of Thomas Howard, fourth Duke at either end of the facade, with initials ‘SH’; follows: central lift shaft and stairwells with a peripheral of gauged brick to outer walls of the pair; no 5 of Norfolk, from 1565. The third is the adaptation incorporating parts of the C15 gatehouse to the framework of beams and split piers rising from has cast-iron balconies to first-floor windows and of the mansion to the purposes of the Hospital of Charterhouse. Plum brick with red brick dressings, “Estate of flats, maisonettes and terraced houses, exposed columns; the structure of the terrace narrow outer windows to all floors, blank to first and King James in Charterhouse, generally known as the gatehouse of flint chequerwork faced with hostel, girls’ school, school of music and drama, blocks is based in concrete cross-walls supported third floors; parapet. Cast-iron railings to area with Sutton’s Hospital, founded in 1611 by Thomas Sutton, brick and ragstone dressings; tiled roof. Three and arts centre (with concert hall, theatre, studio on columns with floor slabs spanning between the spike finials” partly as a free school for forty boys and partly as storeys over basement, three-window range to theatre, cinemas, library, art gallery, conservatory, cross-walls and the balcony edge beams. Podium

01 The Chaterhouse 02 The Master’s Lodge 03 The Barbican 04 No.5 Charterhouse Square and Florin Court

5 CHARTERHOUSE SQUARE | DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT 9 2.0 THE SITE 2.3 PLANNING CONTEXT An application to turn No. 5 Charterhouse Square into a single residential dwelling was submitted and consented in May 2008 (Application PO80588 & Listed Building Application PO80598). The consent was renewed in February 2011 (Application P110279 and Listed Building Application P110313).

This proposed a number of adaptations to the existing building. Some of which could be viewed as improvements to the existing heritage asset. For example, the existing ground floor partition between front and middle room is moved back to its original position.

However, there are also a number of elements that adjust what we believe are original features. A number of bathrooms, for example, are proposed in the rear closet wing and would likely require the demolition of original paneling. Notwithstanding, this was viewed as acceptable by the local planning authority in 2008 and again in 2011.

2008 Application site plan 2008 Application proposed sections

10 5 CHARTERHOUSE SQUARE | DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT 2008 Application proposed plans 2008 Application proposed plans

5 CHARTERHOUSE SQUARE | DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT 11 3.0 THE EXISTING BUILDING 3.01 No.5 CHARTERHOUSE SQUARE No.5 Charterhouse Square is a Grade II listed is vacant. building, added to the statutory list in December 1950. The full list description can be found within Whilst some of the original features remain intact, the Heritage Report prepared by Dorian Crone. the general appearance and feel of the building is underwhelming. More modern elements such as The property is likely to have been constructed as radiators, light fittings, sockets and switches have a pair with No.4 between 1697 and 1701 by Robert been insensitively integrated into the building. As Brabourne who was a considerable speculator in a result the original features, such as the panelling property. and cornicing, present themselves poorly.

An image of Charterhouse Square dating from The application proposes to create a contemporary 1730 shows that No. 4 & 5 were the tallest buildings office, retaining the apartment at fourth floor, on the square. The property enjoyed Georgian by sensitively restoring the existing building and residents of good standing and in 1845 it became modestly extending the building at the rear. the vicarage house for St Sepulchre, Holborn. By researching and analysing how the building Since its construction the property has undergone a has changed during its lifetime and by reviewing number of modification, some more significant than other Georgian properties that are similar in age others and these are described in detail within this and character it is clear how the hierarchy and statement and within the Heritage Report. spatial integrity of the existing building has been compromised over time. The property is currently used as an office with a residential apartment at the fourth floor. It has Our proposals attempt, where possible, to reinstate recently been purchased by the Charterhouse and the intention of the original property.

No.5 Charterhouse Square in 1934 Charterhouse Square looking east depicted in 1730 Plan of second floor in 1845

12 5 CHARTERHOUSE SQUARE | DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT 3.02 BUILDING ACT OF 1774 Although the Building Act of 1774 was introduced after No. 5 Charterhouse Square was originally constructed, the ratings within the Act provide a useful categorisation of buildings from that era.

No. 5 Charterhouse Square has many similarities with buildings classified as ‘first rate’, since it is a property of more than 900 ft2 in area. It also has four full stories above basement (even excluding the fourth floor, which is a later addition).

The property also has three full windows across the elevation.

However, the exterior is probably less refined in its detailing and finishes than a typical ‘first rate’ property. It is likely, therefore, that No.5 Charterhouse would have been regarded as a ‘second rate’ property.

The following section explores the hierarchy of the typical Georgian home which has informed our strategy for internal refurbishment.

FIRST CLASS RATING SECOND CLASS RATING THIRD CLASS RATING FOURTH CLASS RATING NO.5 CHARTERHOUSE SQUARE

5 CHARTERHOUSE SQUARE | DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT 13 3.0 THE EXISTING BUILDING 3.03 THE FRONT ELEVATION The building at No.5 Charterhouse Square is paired with the property at No.4. The buildings share the same architectural elements and likely to have been built as a pair of properties.

No.4 comprises three full sash windows at each storey; whilst No.5 comprises three sashes and a narrower sash at each storey height. No.5 also has three dormer windows at roof level, whilst No.4 has a simple parapet arrangement. The sash windows have been replaced in both properties and no longer match. Metal work balustrades have been added to the first floor window openings to No.5, probably after 1845 and not a feature that is associated with a house of this period. The design of the front doors to both properties has also been altered over time and, again, no longer match.

We understand that the entire front facade was re-built in the 1950’s to match the original designs. The elevation comprises a yellow stock brick with red brick at the head and jambs of window openings. Red brick bands also run horizontally at each storey height. The timber sash windows sit entirely within the brick apertures and brought almost flush with the brick elevations. The outside sash linings are therefore exposed, typical of a property of this period. However, the sashes have been renewed with thinner sash bars than the original windows would have had.

A modest light-well runs almost the width of the property, whilst affording access to the ground level front door. Metal railings at the back of pavement form a balustrade to the light-well. The basement level of the building is rendered to the head of the basement sash windows. The steps to the front door has been renewed

The mansard roof and three hipped dormers above parapet date from the 1980s

No. 5 from Charterhouse Square with neighbouring buildings Front elevation of No. 5 Charterhouse Square

14 5 CHARTERHOUSE SQUARE | DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT No. 5 Charterhouse Square comprises a basement and ground floor with four upper levels, the fourth floor occupying the roof space. No.5 shares the same shoulder height with its immediate neighbour, No.4.

The roof behind the parapet has been converted in the 1980’s to provide habitable space at the fourth floor.

Florin Court, to the north, is significantly taller than No.5 at ground plus 9 stories.

Front elevation of No. 5 Charterhouse Square in context

5 CHARTERHOUSE SQUARE | DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT 15 3.0 THE EXISTING BUILDING 3.04 THE REAR ELEVATION The rear elevation has been altered over time and whilst there are a number of original features, much of the rear has been adapted and added to. The projecting bay to the south is a later 19th century extension at basement, ground and first floor level. The small casement to the WC at ground level and rear access door are much later additions. Similarly the door into the light-well at basement level are modern and in relativity poor condition. A pair of French doors leading from the closet wind to the rear yard is also of a modern design with a strange arrangement of a fanlight over the door set.

A concrete lintel exists over the ground floor window to the middle room. This suggests that this part of the elevation has also been re-built at some point. The parapet at the top of the building has been built up in yellow stock bricks. Much of the sash windows in the rear elevation do not appear to be original and have slimmer glazing bars than the original sashes were likely to have. The roof of the closet wing has been altered as part of the roof alterations in the 1980s and now provides an accessible roof terrace to the rear at high level. A metal spiral stair case has been installed at the rear a provides a secondary means of escape to the building.

Existing basement lightwell Lower portion of the rear elevation

Rear elevation Rear courtyard Metal escape stair to rear

16 5 CHARTERHOUSE SQUARE | DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT The existing rear elevation comprises a closet wing to the north that projects from the main rear elevation up to third floor level. The roof of the closet wing has been adapted to provided the fourth floor with a roof terrace.

A secondary projecting bay, to the south, exists at the half landing from ground to first floor and from first to second floor.

A light-well exists at the rear to the basement level.

5 CHARTERHOUSE SQUARE | DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT 17 3.0 THE EXISTING BUILDING 3.05 GROUND FLOOR PLAN 1:100 The basic plan form of the property is typical of an early Georgian domestic building. A typical floor has two principle rooms at the front and rear of the building with a rear closet wing contains a single, smaller room. An internal dog-leg stair exists on the southern party wall.

The front entrance door affords access from Charterhouse Square to the entrance lobby. A front 10 light-well gives access to the basement.

The ground floor has been adapted from the original plan form. The original partition between the front and middle room has been re-positioned, resulting in a small front room and deeper middle room.

A small WC exists in the southern projecting room to the rear. A light-well within the rear yard provides daylight to the basement level. A timber shed exists in the rear yard. 09

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Key 01 Entrance to lower ground from street level 02 Main entrance to ground floor 03 Entrance hall 04 Ground floor front room 05 Middle room 06 Stair to first floor 07 Stair to lower ground 01 02 08 WC 09 Rear closet wing 10 External yard

18 5 CHARTERHOUSE SQUARE | DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT 3.06 GROUND FLOOR FRONT ROOM The partition between the ground floor front room and the middle room has been repositioned resulting in a small front room that overlooks the square. The original timber linings have been removed from the front room and replaced with much later brown panelling. We understand that the panelling was added after 1919 when the original panelling was sold. This results in a uncomfortable relationship between the fireplace and partition.

Key plan Panelling to ground floor front room Panelling to ground floor front room

5 CHARTERHOUSE SQUARE | DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT 19 3.0 THE EXISTING BUILDING 3.07 GROUND FLOOR MIDDLE ROOM The middle room has been extended in plan. The cornice still indicates where the original partition would have been. The room contains much of the original panelling, which is typical of late 17th century panelling. There are modern fixtures and fittings such as radiators, power and light sockets that have been insensitively installed and located.

The sash window to the rear is a later addition. The fire place and surround are not original. The cast iron fire place is likely to date from the early 19th century.

Key plan Panelling to ground floor middle room Ground floor middle room looking towards closet wing

20 5 CHARTERHOUSE SQUARE | DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT