High quality contextual design wins planning for office-to-resi project in the heart of St Albans

This complicated project converted an unloved eight-storey glass and concrete office block and its dedicated car park into much needed housing in the centre of the St Albans conservation area.

We worked constructively with the local planning team, engaging with the local community to address objections to the scheme which revolved around parking provision and an anticipated increase in city centre congestion. Our subsequent designs ultimately overcame concerns to create something that would work for both new and existing residents.

Drawing on the immediate built context of Victorian villas and industrial architecture, we created simple volumes with gridded facades, using a palette of brick and stone. Carefully detailed window reveals and feature corners were designed to create elegant, classic facades that would stand the test of time.

‘SRP have always struck the right balance of aesthetic, practical and commercial considerations when working with us to design desirable and deliverable schemes’.

Nick Spencer, Co-Founder, BBS Capital

The completed project combined with a proposed scheme for 75 homes on the former car park site will contribute over two hundred new homes towards St Albans’ ambitious targets for housing.