Above former prison vaults in Clerkenwell (Clerkenwell House of Detention), sits a new build single storey dwelling. The new build residential property is in the centre of Clerkenwell's Green Conservation Area in London and is located next to a former Victorian School (Kingsway Place). Surrounded by Grade II listed buildings, the architects needed to design the property to nestle respectful among the existing architecture.
The plot of land that this property now sits on was once where the school caretaker's shed was situated. Conveniently, this area of land is defined by a perimeter wall which creates an element of privacy to the new single storey home. When designing properties in conservation areas the aesthetic of the building needs to meet stringent regulations. The fact that this extremely sensitive site had several surrounding walls came as a blessing because the new building home was slightly hidden from sight and therefore gave the architects slightly more 'breathing space' for their designs.
