This project is positioned on Margate High Street at its lower end leading to the seafront. The late Georgian Listed property which features a private residence set above a retail space required restoration works to its facade. The project also saw a dilapidated workshop to the rear re-built as a private art studio.

To halt the deterioration of the facade many layers of paint were carefully removed revealing the original buff masonry, the facade was completely restored and re-pointed in lime mortar. Following removal of modern shop signage we proposed to reinstate an iron balcony at first floor, the ‘Anthemion’ design was chosen following historic research of old photographs. The balcony also will feature a Kebony deck. New sympathetic shop signage is proposed to be constructed in timber.

Sat within a secluded courtyard garden to the rear was a jewellers workshop c1827, having survived a German bomb blast in close proximity the ‘shed’ continued to stand until 2016 when it had deteriorated beyond repair. The decision was made to record the shed in every detail and to rebuild a modern but sympathetic alternative in its memory. The narrow, yet tall triangular form was challenging to match and a complex ultra-stiff timber frame was designed to achieve this. The roof form replicated two intersecting slopes and now features a beautiful lead rolled roof.

The facade was clad using Kebony, a super sustainable and durable softwood, with the profile matched from an original section. New bespoke Kebony windows were designed and arranged to reference the former configuration, however adapted to suit modern day practicalities of a small art studio.

The interior featured Birch plywood wall cladding, a discreet CNC cut plywood staircase and purpose made storage and furniture. A concealed lavatory and kitchenette was also designed. A small mezzanine accessed by a ladder to reference the original enjoys a view through a tiny feature window to reference the original. The project is nearing completion.