15 Ecton Street is a listed former shoe & boot workshop that had lay derelict for decades following the passing of the last owner, who had started his shoe business there after WWII having served as a Hurricane fighter pilot. Greenaway Architecture were appointed by his grandchildren to breath new life into the historic warehouse, which has resulted in its transformation into a characterful and energy efficient new two-storey urban home.

A key objective was to preserve the building’s period features, including steel windows, first floor loading door, fireplaces and open eaves, whilst discreetly extending to the rear to accommodate key functions such a bathroom, dining and utility areas that wrap around a private courtyard garden.

The new build elements utilise lightweight timber frame construction to minimise the use of materials and the impact of the build process, as well as provide a highly efficient building envelope. The rendered finish ties in with existing west gable wall and the rears of adjacent buildings.

The existing warehouse walls, floor and roof have been lined with highly efficient insulation to give the original building a contemporary level of thermal efficiency, without altering its external appearance.

The building was identified by English Heritage as being one of the remaining factories in the area that retained its original cast-iron window frames, however, these had heavily corroded over time. Therefore, high-quality double glazed replacement metal windows mirroring the former have been utilised throughout to retain the character, whilst also being double glazed for thermal and acoustic performance. The replacements chosen were the Crittall Berkeley range. 

This project was the reimagining of a utilitarian building into a charming and sustainable new home that captures the spirit and delight of the original warehouse typology to make a positive contribution to the Conservation Area and make best use of land.

HCUK Group’s archaeological department assisted in addressing a condition for historic building and researching its history. Such workshops were often attached to domestic houses which would have been the residence of the owner or manager and historic map studies show that the building was an addition to a former end terrace building.  A doorway at first floor, still visible inside on the west gable end elevation that would have connected directly into the former domestic building, presumably the residence of the owner or manager and directories shows the building first mentioned in 1898, recorded as occupied by John Jackman, Boot Manufacturer.   

Client Comment: ‘Greenaway Architecture saw the potential in our historic family gem straight away. Their proposals maximised the building visually and functionally and brought our hopes to life. Greenaway’s approach and presentation convinced the planners to let us do extensive work to this listed building, where previous architects had failed. Their creativity and positivity throughout the process was inspiring and we couldn’t have wished for a better process and outcome in what was an emotional transition for us as a family. The works have really lifted the building itself as well as the surroundings. We would highly recommend his services to anyone requiring an architect in the future.’