Coborn House

Bow, East London

Coborn House

What struck us from the outset, was the beautiful building that was lost amongst ivy and lay-in-grid suspended ceilings. We exposed and made features of the roof structure's King Trusses, the bull-nosed window sills and made the brickwork in its Flemish bond stand bold once more, especially at the entrance where the canopy had shielded the entrance arches.

Overview

With overlooking from surrounding houses, we took the view that it should be upside down in its use. Modern interventions include the insertion of a new roof terrace, providing a private outdoor area in between the external pitched roof, accessed via an opening glass box, adding another 12-15% on its value as a development with this alone. A vast improvement to amenity in the original approval on the long driveway!

As it was in a Conservation area, to upgrade the buildings fabric we insulated internally, and ensured we kept the heritage by way of brick slips so as not to lose too much interior space.

Our design intent throughout was industrial - taking the design quos from its historic past, whilst ensuring the building was fit for modern 'loft' style living.

Bespoke handmade staircase crafted with intricate detailing
Three wall box rooflight - by Glazing Vision
Tadelakt wall finish with light detailings to create interest to bedroom internal corridor
King Truss original structural detail exposed
Industrial Crittall-style windows
Loft-style living
Commended in The Sunday Times British Home Awards 2013

"Coborn is over 10 years old, it was one of our first retrofits and one of our first to be recognised by the industry – it's still one of our favourites!"

Melanie Clear, Founder

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