Arthur Stanley House

Camden, Greater London

The transformation of Arthur Stanley House, located in Fitzrovia, is a shining example of how architectural ingenuity can breathe new life into a building while honouring its past. Originally identified as a "detractor" in the conservation area by Camden City Council, the building had fallen into disrepair after being vacated in 2005. However, through careful and sustainable refurbishment, this once-neglected structure has been revitalised, making it a valuable asset to the local community and the wider built environment. Design decisions celebrate both its heritage and modern functionality. Retaining over 70% of its original fabric, the project carefully restores key elements such as the brickwork and enhances them with thoughtful interventions. The existing windows have been replaced with high-performance triple glazing, providing better insulation while preserving the slim profiles that maintain the building’s connection to Fitzrovia’s historic character. The structural strategy, particularly the removal of the central 650mm deep concrete beam, has unlocked new potential for the internal floorplates, creating more open and visually generous spaces. Notably, the building’s design skilfully balances the old and new, with a carefully crafted extension housing 10 new residential units. The new block, clad in pale concrete brick, complements the refurbished red brick of the original structure, preserving the industrial aesthetic that characterises the area. This delicate mix of materials and styles serves as a fitting tribute to the building’s 60-year development while preparing it for the next 60 years. Sustainability was a key driver throughout the project, with a strong focus on reducing embodied carbon and enhancing energy efficiency. The design retained significant portions of the original building and the thoughtful reuse of materials, such as salvaging bricks from the rear elevation for use in the upper floors, helped to further reduce the building's carbon footprint. The introduction of high-performance glazing, external terraces, a heat recovery system, and enhanced cycling facilities makes the building both energy-efficient and occupant-friendly. The building's structural design also minimised the need for extensive demolition. By employing cross-bracing steel in the basement, the team reduced the amount of concrete cutting, and the use of off-site construction methods for stone detailing around the windows ensured minimal waste during the build process. From level access throughout to the generous 19-person lifts, the building has been designed to meet the needs of all users. The reception areas are equipped with clear signage, hearing assistance features, and tactile finishes like a terrazzo ramp, designed to enhance both functionality and safety. The addition of large, triple-height light wells ensures that even the basement levels benefit from an abundance of natural light, transforming what was once a dark, poorly ventilated space into airy, well-lit workspaces. The office space is now a vibrant hub for businesses, while the addition of new residential units has brought much-needed housing to the area. The sensitive restoration of the building has reconnected it to the surrounding townscape, turning it into a welcoming, low-energy space that supports both work and residential life. The inclusion of native plantings around the site and soft landscaping enhances local biodiversity, further cementing the project’s contribution to the broader environmental context.