Queen Street Lofts Quarter

Client:
Lanesra Group

Location:
Barking, London

Project Size:
51 apartments, 2 terraced houses

Project Types:
Residential, Built to Rent, Airspace, Adaptive Reuse, New Built

Lanesra Group is family-owned property company specialising in residential and retail developments across London and the Southeast. Having previously worked with Lanesra on several residential projects, they knew we had the right skill set and experience for this type of development. 

 

The site consisted of a vacant office building and a terrace of 3 vacant retail units, each with a flat above and outbuildings to the rear. There had been previous planning permission for the demolition of all the buildings on site and the construction of a new block of flats.  

 

Following initial site assessment and research, we recognised the potential for a more contextual, holistic approach to redevelopment. The large corner building was originally built as a warehouse, so we worked that aesthetic into our designs.  

We proposed converting the existing office building and a derelict retail parade into high quality, attractive homes. We provided a full architectural service, covering all stages of the project from start to finish, from concept design to construction including: 

 

  • Producing several feasibility options including concept layouts, massing studies and planning checklists.  
  • Development of successful multistage planning strategies in collaboration with the Client and Planning Consultant.  
  • Production of technical design and on-site delivery of the project.  

 

We used our specialist knowledge of prior approval and permitted development planning laws, airspace development and residential design skills during the concept design and planning stages. We are now working on the project delivery on the site, split into:

 

  • Phase 1a – Conversion of a disused office building, creating 38 new flats.
  • Phase 1b – Addition of 4 rooftop flats above, achieving planning permission at first attempt without the need for pre-application advice.
  • Phase 2 – Conversion of unused retail units into apartments and extension of the upper floors to create 9 new flats overall, overlooking the communal shared garden at the rear.
  • Phase 3 – Design of an extension to the existing terrace on an adjacent street, creating two new 3-bedroom family homes.

During the feasibility and planning stages we utilised innovative digital tools, such as an in-house BIM with integrated VR, CGI and drone photography to quickly translate initial concepts into easily understood images and facilitate the best possible design outcomes.

The project is a commercial success and will contribute to the accelerated regeneration of the area once all phases are completed. We were able to exceed expectation in terms of site capacity through creative contextual urban design, whilst respecting the history of the site.

We reduced CO2 emission and local disruption through reuse of existing structures, upgrading its fabric to modern standards and utilising low carbon technologies. As a Lead Consultant we managed the project navigating any issues along the way, such as the discovery of additional structure impact on new layouts.

Ultimately, we provided a range of exciting apartments and houses for rent and sale. We transformed this site by building on its past aesthetics and history instead of demolition followed by new-build proposals.