Berwick Street

Project: Berwick Street

Project facts

Client: Shaftesbury Capital PLC
Date: Completed 2023
Location: London, Soho

Project description

Berwick Street is home to one of London’s oldest and most famous markets. Known for fabric and record shops as well as for introducing olive oil, tomatoes and pineapples to London, the street represents everything that we love about Soho.

We were asked by Shaftesbury Capital to extensively refurbish and extend a pair of Grade II listed townhouses. Internally the two buildings had been poorly altered over the years, with layer upon layer of finishes creating a bland and sterile series of spaces.

The brief challenged us to remove the false ceilings and boxed-out areas and restore the original beauty of the buildings, as well as extend them at rear, maximising the ground and first floor plates- tricky on a tight site.

The project adds a roof terrace, rear extension and glazed infill to the buildings. Internally, all non-original finishes are removed, existing floorboards refurbished, original features restored and new recycled materials added. This project is a reflection of our RE:LOW principles.

A feature of all our projects with Shaftesbury is the use of new and sustainable materials. Here we have used Honext, a board made from waste paper and cardboard. This is one of the first projects in the UK to use Honext in this commercial context.

The rear extension is finished in a rough and smooth natural clay plaster which is recyclable, repairable and compostable. Both the Honext boards and clay plaster create a warm and textured finish.

The ground floor retail unit had a dark and rubbish-filled external courtyard at the rear. Here we have enclosed the space by adding a glazed rooflight and have left the existing brickwork exposed. We are pleased that a suit tailor has moved into the ground floor unit, strengthening the rich association with the fashion and textile industry.

Project images

Site map 46-47 Berwick Street, Grade II listed Georgian townhouse, Soho London, Studioshaw architects
Ground floor retail unit and entrance at Berwick Street, Soho London, Grade II listed townhouse refurbishment, Studioshaw
46 and 47 Berwick Street are considered by Westminster Council to be 2 of the most important and intact Georgian Townhouses in Soho. We also designed the shop front of 45 (in black) which opens to the street.
Street elevation 45, 46 and 47 Berwick Street elevation, Grade II listed Georgian townhouses in Soho London, refurbished by Studioshaw architects
45, 46 & 47 Berwick Street Elevation
Interior of refurbished Grade II listed Georgian townhouse at Berwick Street, Soho London, designed by Studioshaw architects 2023
New panelling referencing the original Georgian is made from Honext, creating an elegant proportion and rhythm.
Honext sustainable board panelling at Berwick Street, Soho London, made from waste paper and cardboard, Studioshaw architects
Full height Honext panelling is featured in the front room of the first floor.
Detail of the routed Honext panelling. 45, 46 and 47 Berwick Street, Grade II listed Georgian townhouses in Soho London, refurbished by Studioshaw architects
Detail of the routed Honext panelling.
Georgian panelled interior doors with brass ironmongery at 46 and 47 Berwick Street, most important and intact Georgian townhouses in Soho according to Westminster Council, refurbishment by Studioshaw
Interior doors were replaced with Georgian panelled doors with brass ironmongery and hinges.
First floor room with new Honext panel wainscoting referencing original Georgian proportions, Berwick Street Soho, Studioshaw architects
The first floor features original dado rails, skirting, cornicing and fireplace.
Section of 46 and 47 Berwick Street, Grade II listed Georgian townhouses, Soho London, by Studioshaw architects
46 Berwick St, Section AA
Section 45, 46 and 47 Berwick Street elevation, Grade II listed Georgian townhouses in Soho London, refurbished by Studioshaw architects
46 Berwick St, Section BB
The kitchen has a natural clay plaster wall finish in two subtly different textures. A new rooflight with exposed joists was inserted. 46-47 Berwick Street, Soho London, designed by Studioshaw
The kitchen has a natural clay plaster wall finish in two subtly different textures. A new rooflight with exposed joists was inserted.
The material palette is neutral and is tonally similar to the off-white colour scheme in the main building. at 46-47 Berwick Street, Soho London, Grade II listed townhouse refurbishment, Studioshaw
The material palette is neutral and is tonally similar to the off-white colour scheme in the main building.
New rear courtyard with glazed roof at Berwick Street, Soho London, listed building refurbishment by Studioshaw architects
A new rear courtyard with glazed roof ensures a clear separation of the main building and courtyard with a light touch.
New rear courtyard with glazed roof at Berwick Street, Soho London, listed building refurbishment by Studioshaw architects
Existing masonry walls have been left exposed, repointed and cleaned retaining the character and original qualities of the site.
Floorplan 46-47 Berwick Street, Grade II listed Georgian townhouse, Soho London, designed by Studioshaw
Detailed First Floor Plan of 46 & 47 Berwick Street