The redevelopment of 49 Phillimore Street restores the industrial clarity of the former Robert Harper Building and adapts it for contemporary commercial and residential use.
49 Phillimore Street
Layers of paint and mid-century alterations are stripped back, revealing the strength and texture of the original building. Internally, the ground and first floors are reconfigured into contemporary office spaces supported by landscaped courtyards that bring daylight and greenery deep into the plan. Above, four two-storey apartments introduce a rare residential component to the precinct, offering distinct layouts and modern amenities while maintaining respect for the building’s underlying scale.
The project demonstrates how careful restoration paired with targeted adaptation can create enduring commercial and residential value in a heritage context.
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Our process began with an in-depth study of the original building fabric and its subsequent alterations. By analysing archival material, structural conditions and the broader urban pattern of the West End, we established a rationale for removing later additions and reinstating the original façade expression. Spatial modelling helped demonstrate that new courtyards and rooftop apartments could be integrated without overwhelming the heritage envelope. This analytical groundwork supported approvals and enabled a design strategy that balances conservation with contemporary use.
