rpa:architecture’s work at Grosvenor Crescent highlights Mayfair’s return to residential - 01/10/2008

rpa:architecture is playing its part in turning one of London's most famous areas, Mayfair and Belgravia, back into a residential zone after years of being seen as business centre. Grosvenor Crescent, a Grade II listed Regency townhouse which was formally used as an office, is being sympathetically converted by rpa:architecture into five luxury residential apartments.

This comes as the area is experiencing a residential renaissance by attracting a younger, more charismatic crowd. Throughout Mayfair and Belgravia, eighteenth century mansions, previously used as offices, are being converted back into houses and apartments attracting more residents into the area.

Recent research indicates that up to 356 Mayfair addresses are returning to residential use. The properties are being bought by the new elite class who want a central London residence in a fashionable neighbourhood that offers a stylish and sophisticated lifestyle.

At Grosvenor Crescent, rpa:architecture is working in conjunction with partner Holloway White Allom. Responsible for the construction drawings and interior design for the conversion, rpa:architecture has been working on the project since January 2008 and hope to complete their part of the work by April 2009.

The Grade II listed nature of the 2045sqft site, and the fact that the property is in a conservation area, has meant that to gain planning permission it was agreed that all original features have had to be retained, and that no exterior amendments could be made to the property. However, using like for like materials and traditional building methods, the design still hopes to achieve Ecohomes Very Good status.

Lee Allcock, Design Director at rpa:architecture, comments: "We are increasingly being asked to convert office buildings into residential use. At Grosvenor Crescent this has been a particularly exciting challenge due to the historic nature of the building. The sympathetic conversion has taken into consideration the restrictions of the conservation area with authentic materials and craftsmanship seen across the site complimenting the modern twists expected within state- of- the- art luxury homes."

The development is be led by Grosvenor Group Ltd, and the new apartments will be leasehold, with the Grosvenor Estate retaining the freehold. The finished project will deliver luxury apartments of the highest specification ranging in market value from £1.3 million to £2.5 million.

Anna Farnes, development Manager, Grosvenor group Ltd comments, "We are enjoying working with rpa:architecture to overcome some of the interesting challenges that our site presents. Considerate and innovative solutions are required to create 21st century luxury within a listed building."