Crescent House Renovation by TYPE: A Sustainable Retrofit

Preserving Heritage While Enhancing Functionality

Crescent House, a Grade II* listed building within the iconic Golden Lane Estate, is a testament to mid-century modernist architecture. Designed by Chamberlin, Powell, and Bon, this 1960s studio flat represents a crucial step in the design evolution leading up to the renowned Barbican Estate. TYPE, a forward-thinking architectural practice, undertook a sensitive refurbishment, striking a balance between historic preservation and contemporary living.

Challenges of Retrofitting a Listed Property

Renovating within a Grade II* listed building presented three primary challenges:

1. Heritage Preservation: Every modification needed to respect the historical integrity of the space while allowing for necessary upgrades.
2. Thermal Performance: The original construction lacked insulation, leading to damp and condensation issues. With the Local Authority upgrading windows to double/triple glazing, TYPE’s design had to complement this initiative.
3. Modern Adaptation: Originally divided into three rigid zones—living, dining, and sleeping—the space required reconfiguration to suit contemporary lifestyles.

Client Vision: A Thoughtful and Sustainable Retrofit

The clients, a couple in their mid-30s—one of whom is a director at TYPE—sought a sustainable and functional transformation. Their primary objectives included:

• Retrofitting the apartment in alignment with the Local Authority’s façade upgrade plan.
• Maximizing space efficiency while preserving architectural integrity.
• Integrating modern materials and methods to enhance comfort and sustainability.

Design Strategy: Blending Old with New

TYPE’s approach was built on three fundamental principles:

• Preserving Original Features: The renovation maintained the essence of the original design while incorporating carefully selected modern interventions.
• Enhancing Energy Efficiency: Upgrading insulation was a priority, aligning with London’s sustainability goals. This included using Spacetherm/Aerogel insulation to minimize the impact on listed elements.
• Material Innovation: A ‘fabric-first’ approach ensured cost-effective, sustainable materials such as:Cork flooring – a renewable and durable solution.Honeycomb cardboard sliding partitions – a lightweight alternative to MDF.Ecoboard joinery – an eco-friendly substitute for traditional timber.
• Cork flooring – a renewable and durable solution.
• Honeycomb cardboard sliding partitions – a lightweight alternative to MDF.
• Ecoboard joinery – an eco-friendly substitute for traditional timber.

Optimizing Space for Contemporary Living

The 45 m² studio was reimagined with intelligent spatial planning to enhance functionality. Key interventions included:

• Internally insulated walls and ceilings for improved thermal performance.
• Reconfiguration of the open-plan layout, featuring:A discreet utility cupboard for storage.A flexible office space seamlessly integrated within the studio.A sliding partition system for optional spatial separation.
• A discreet utility cupboard for storage.
• A flexible office space seamlessly integrated within the studio.
• A sliding partition system for optional spatial separation.
• Underfloor heating, installed as a removable, thin system that worked harmoniously with the original built-in furniture.

Sustainable Construction and Material Choices

The renovation preserved the existing concrete block structure, with new internal wall insulation to improve thermal efficiency. Original hardwood timber windows with single glazing were retained, anticipating future Local Authority upgrades. Sustainable construction ensured elements remained demountable and recyclable, aligning with circular economy principles.

Key Materials:

• Cork flooring – a renewable, biodegradable material.
• Recycled honeycomb cardboard partitions – reducing embodied carbon.
• Ecoboard for joinery – a low-impact alternative to MDF.
• Painted finishes – enhancing durability and ease of maintenance.

Lessons for Future Retrofitting Projects

TYPE’s listed property retrofit serves as a model for sustainable renovations. By embracing the principles of retain, reuse, and recycle, this project showcases how preservation can coexist with innovation.

 A Prototype for Sustainable Urban Living

Crescent House exemplifies how a mid-century modern apartment can be retrofitted for the future while honoring its historic character. This project serves as a prototype for future refurbishments, proving that a fabric-first approach does not compromise design quality. By merging sustainability with architectural sensitivity, TYPE has set a benchmark for future urban renovations in heritage buildings.

All Photographs are works of Lorenzo Zandri