Fieldwork Transforms London Corner Building Into Casting Studio Home

Local architecture studio Fieldwork has brilliantly reimagined a run-down corner building in west London, converting it into a dynamic hybrid property. This extensive renovation successfully expands the original structure by over 60 percent, resulting in a striking 245-square-metre, three-storey building.

The project showcases innovative adaptive reuse, merging commercial workspace needs with modern urban living. By reconfiguring the envelope, the design team unlocked fresh potential for home design within a challenging footprint.

Expanding Structural Horizons

To achieve the necessary interior volume, the architects added a brand-new mansard roof and a double-height side infill extension on the site of a former covered garage. Both of these structural additions feature zinc shingles, creating a deliberate visual contrast against the existing render of the main facade.

Zoning and Spatial Organization

The ground floor now accommodates a fully functional casting studio, while the upper levels house a spacious two-storey apartment complete with a private roof terrace. This layout ensures a strict yet harmonious separation between professional production zones and private residential quarters.

Internally, the design anchors itself around a central staircase that facilitates smooth vertical movement, draws natural daylight deep into the core, and promotes passive airflow. For more inspiration on working within unique urban constraints, explore our collection of architecture articles.

Materiality and Acoustic Engineering

Fieldwork introduced tactile warmth throughout the living quarters by utilizing light oak joinery, rich Douglas fir linings, and smooth microcement surfaces. These material choices emphasize a modern aesthetic while maintaining a cozy, domestic atmosphere upstairs.

Optimizing Sound and Light

Because the ground floor operates as an active casting studio, specialized acoustic insulation and sustainable cork flooring were integrated to optimize sound performance. Together, these elements effectively mitigate vibrations and control noise bleed between levels.

To cap off the design, circular skylights inspired by softbox studio lights were embedded directly into the mansard roof. These fixtures cast dramatic, shifting patterns of light and shadow throughout the interior spaces, lending the entire building a distinct artistic identity.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Fieldwork turns dilapidated building into mansard-roof-topped home and studio