Belsize Architects’ contentious Kensington timber block finally approved – Architect’s Journal

Belsize put forward a proposal in 2019 to replace an industrial unit next to a railway line in Latimer Road with offices and homes for developer Artedi.

However, that proposal was withdrawn after 120 objections to the initial application were received and a design code was drawn up relating to the site.

Belsize scaled down the commercial elements of the scheme and resubmitted fresh proposals at the start of this year for a part-three, part-five-storey mixed-use block.

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelseas planning committee granted consent for the revised Latimer Road project in a narrow vote last month (12 December), with three councillors approving the application and two rejecting.

Although 91 objections were submitted against the latest application in relation to its height and impact on other properties, councillors approved the project on the advice of its planning officers.

A report said the proposed building would accord with the areas design code and successfully integrate with its surroundings, making a positive visual statement as well as boosting provision of jobs and homes.

Planning officers added: The pitched roofline and gentle zig-zagged elevation [] are intended to break down the high-level massing, articulate the faade and communicate a distinction between its use as a residential building [and] its commercial accommodation fronting Latimer Road. It does this successfully in all respects.

Belsize Architects said the zig-zag rhythm was a nod to the bay window motif which appears throughout the area adding that it creates a break and softens the scale of the development.

The practice added: The elevation has been created in accordance with the requirements of [Kensington and Chelseas] Street Design Code, which applies a unifying principle for the neighbourhood for a tripartite division of faades into three zones: base, middle and top.

The scheme will have an internal structure largely built of timber, alongside some steel elements, and floor structures will be cross-laminated timber. Sustainability elements include solar panels on the roof and air source heat pumps, which will heat and cool the building.

A sedum and wildflower blanket will cover the roof of the residential units.

Source:Belsize Architects

Belsize Architects approved Latimer Road scheme in Kensington plan

LocationRoyal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Type of project Mixed use ClientPrivate developer ArchitectBelsize Architects Planning consultantSavills Heritage and townscape consultantHCUK Group Fire consultantVemco Consulting Community engagement consultantConcilio Consult M&E consultantP3R Engineers Flood risk and drainage consultantEAS Delivery and servicing plan consultantEAS CTMP consultantMarkides Associates Contamination consultantGeocon Daylight and sunlight consultantT16 Design Energy and sustainability consultantT16 Design Air quality consultantAQA Assessments Tree consultantAndrew Day Consultancy Acoustic consultantKP Acoustics

Source:Belsize Architects

Belsize Architects' approved Latimer Road scheme in Kensington - rear detail

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Belsize Architects' contentious Kensington timber block finally approved - Architect's Journal