Studio Architects: CONVERSION

The conversion and regeneration of industrial buildings into new uses has gained popularity in areas where the decorative Victorian and Edwardian warehouse buildings and factories provide generous volumes which allow flexibility in conversion.

Planning policies often resist the loss of employment space, but by creatively exploring the mix between new business uses and residential accommodation, some planning authorities will allow the conversion to live/work studios and apartments.

City Lofts has achieved this successfully for Blueprint Estates plc, by exploiting the storey heights and maximising the benefits of natural lighting to generate a logical plan and circulation pattern. The varied massing of surrounding buildings also enabled the building to be raised, lifting and re-building the roof to create one more storey.

The studios and apartments offer a range of size to prospective occupiers, and all combine the careful salvaging of existing hardwood floors and internal brickwork with contemporary kitchens and bathrooms.