Much like a number of its notable London neighbours, such as
Buckingham Palace and St Pauls, Westminster Fire Station is a
quintessentially English Edwardian interpretation of eighteenth
and nineteenth century Baroque architecture. The 1906 red
brick and Portland stone façade is a well-preserved example of
an early 20th century London Fire Station building and remains
largely unaltered from its original appearance, whilst the team
have carefully selected the colours of the original paintwork to
return the historical colour palette to the building. Internally,
Openstudio has retained original elements of the Fire Station
including the fireman’s pole, watch room – which will be used
as a private dining room in the restaurant - and the original
carriage doors that will form the main entrance to the building
and restaurant.
Laura Marino, Founder and Creative Director at Studio L, London
comments: “Our vision for the restoration of Westminster Fire
Station was to deliver a modern yet considered approach towards
the building’s heritage, creating something that is thoughtful,
sustainable and timeless. Having recently worked with Jennifer
and her team at Openstudio Architects on another boutique
project, she was on our radar from the beginning.
“Authenticity has been central to the design of the project - it’s
what makes the residential space so special – and it was important
to both Jennifer and I that the architecture subtly integrated a mix
of raw and refined materials throughout the former fire station
and additional new build element. Together we had a passionate
vision to create something unique and beautiful, collating intricate
details and ideas – that applied interesting motifs, nuances,
patterns and use of ceramic brick - to ensure the buildings look
good together, yet are each distinct in their own individual way.”
A modern and tactile interpretation of the London institution,
the features, colours and materials used in the existing listed
building have significantly influenced the design of the new build
Station House brickwork façade. Handmade buff-coloured Danish
Petersen brick echoes the colour of the Portland stone of the base
of the Edwardian Fire Station, whilst a custom-made pearlescent
glazed brick hand-produced by a specialist ceramic supplier in the
Netherlands, was inspired by the interiors of the original engine
bays and staircase of the Fire Station. Together the two materials
are being used in the Station House to create a bespoke patterned
brickwork effect, heavily influenced by the geometry of the rear
of the original building, to reflect light into the courtyard garden.
HANDMADE BUFF-COLOURED DANISH
PETERSEN BRICK ECHOES THE COLOUR OF
THE PORTLAND STONE OF THE BASE OF THE
EDWARDIAN FIRE STATION.