02 October 2020

MWA have commissioned Blackburn-based Darwen Terracotta, one of the oldest terracotta manufacturers in the UK to hand make the terracotta tiles for the contemporary extension at Bracknell Gardens in Hampstead. The design features geometric square terracotta tiles that are bevelled in the centre to create a subtly patterned tiled façade, as a modern take on the vernacular architecture within the Redington Frognal Conservation Area.

Size: 4,859 SQ.FT
Client: Private
Status: Construction
Structural Engineer: Pringuer James Consulting Engineering
M&E: Cundall
Quantity Surveyor: The Millbridge Group
Arboriculturalist: John Cromar's Arboricultural Company Ltd.
Rendering: Marek Wojciechowski Architects Ltd.
Local Authority: London Borough of Camden

16 September 2020

The proposed design provides a large contemporary family home set over four floors, including a swimming pool, gymnasium and large open-plan entertaining areas. Works commenced on site in March 2020 and are due to complete in December 2021.

Read more about the project here

Size: 8,856 SQ.FT
Client: Private
Status: On Site
Cost Consultant: The Millbridge Group Plc
Structural Engineer: Sinclair Johnston & Partners
Services Engineer: Cundall
Environmental Consultant: Ashby Energy Assessors Ltd
Rendering: Marek Wojciechowski Architects
Local Authority: London Borough of Camden

24 August 2020

Following recent granting of planning consent for the redevelopment of the historic Diorama Theatre next to Regent’s Park, developed design is underway with works targeted to commence early next year.

This exciting project has been in the development since 2019 and will see the transformation of the historic theatre into a sustainable, adaptable and modern workspace.

The historic rotunda has been reinvented as the centre of circulation and movement through the building looking to bring a strong identifiable theme that ties the building back to its origins. This space also presented a unique and exciting expression of the most important and human part of the original building – the auditorium. The use of a simple circular geometric plan which rises in section and brings into play the strong sculptural forms of the staircase and the suspended meeting room is both rational and exciting. The composition together fosters awareness with the original theatre its historical significance. The circular rooflight which illuminates the entire experience brings back daylight to the building once again.

Read more about the project here

19 August 2020

Phase II of this specialist day surgery and outpatient diagnostics centre in Marylebone is now complete. During the Covid-19 lockdown, construction works continued with social distancing measures in place and the project team continued to collaborate remotely; ensuring the project was delivered successfully and on programme.

This phase of the project includes a Women’s Healthcare Centre and ENT (Ears Nose Throat) suite. MWA selected a palette of warm timber panelling and soft furnishings to deliver a bright and comfortable welcome lobby which extends on to an external terrace with integrated planting.

Read more about the project here

Size: 21,458 SQ.FT
Client: Welbeck Health Partners
Status: Complete
Project Manager: 3PM
M&E Engineer: Ramboll UK Ltd.
Structural Engineer: Packman Lucas
Quantity Surveyor: Exigere
Contractor: Paragon
Interior Design & Rendering: Marek Wojciechowski Architects Ltd.
Local Authority: Westminster City Council

13 August 2020

Emerging market trends and demands for this area of London have encouraged the stakeholders to investigate utilising this well positioned site as a Care Home. MWA prepared and submitted a pre-planning application for this use which was submitted to the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham. The proposal comprises a part four and part five storey building with a basement level providing a first in class facility with 95 bed spaces. The building has been designed to respect the street scene and the character of the conservation area, taking inspiration from the many mansion blocks and residential buildings prevalent in the area. Proposals were positively received by the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham.

Read more about the project here

Size: 55,508 SQ.FT
Client: Private
Status: Pre-Planning
Transport: Iceni
Rendering: Marek Wojciechowski Architects
Local Authority: Hammersmith & Fulham

12 August 2020

MWA welcomes its staff back into the office after almost 5 months of working from home.

In March, along with businesses all around the UK and across the world, we transitioned from office to home in line with government guidance. We adopted new ways of working as a team, devised new methods of communicating with clients both in the UK and abroad, virtually attended design meetings, planning meetings and site meetings and we responded in an adaptive and innovative manner with lots of new challenges.

In preparation for bringing everyone back together, steps have been taken to manage and maintain workspace separation and to reduce risk in travel to and from work. Workstations have been re-organised to maintain social distance in accordance with government guidance. PPE has been purchased and new office protocols have been introduced. MWA is now covering the cost of all travel by hire bike to allow staff to commute to work without the need for public transport.

It has been a difficult time for everyone and the industry, and the resilience of our team is highly commended. We look forward to working together in person once more.

07 August 2020

MWA is a London-based practice with a strong reputation for delivering world-class projects with integrity and ambition. We focus on creative direction, architecture and design, producing exemplary projects in the high-end residential and commercial sectors.

The practice employs highly intelligent and driven employees, and is currently seeking Project Architects with relevant experience in central London.

Click here for more details

06 August 2020

Phase I of OneWelbeck has been shortlisted for the World of Interior News (WIN) Awards in the Healthcare & Wellbeing category. The WIN Awards celebrate and showcase outstanding architecture and interior design from across the globe. One Welbeck is a specialist facility for minimally-invasive day surgery and outpatient diagnostics in central London. Occupying a converted office building, the first Phase of the development delivers 63,700 sqft over five floors, with a phased completion starting in late 2019.

Designed to be calm, personable and welcoming, a palette of materials including timber panelling, perforated metallic privacy screens and soft furnishings create a sense of warmth and comfort. Ambient lighting softens the spaces and facilitates feelings of comfort and seclusion. Clinical requirements have been carefully balanced with the materials selected and all products and designs were carefully interrogated with the intention of creating a healthcare facility which feels comfortable, sophisticated and safe.

Read more about the project here

We are looking forward to the awards ceremony in November.

04 August 2020

MWA are delighted to announce that Bell Yard Apartments have been shortlisted for another award! The exceptional project has been selected as a finalist in both Development Transformation of the Year and Small Development of the Year categories for the British Home Awards 2020.

Development Transformation of the Year awards the best large-scale residential refurbishment, restoration or conversion, providing more than one home. It is open to conversions of existing buildings, such as office-to-residential; the upgrading of a housing estate; or the restoration of a heritage building.

The Small Development of the Year is for residential developments of 20 units and less that demonstrate exceptional sensitivity to context and clever solutions for design and construction. It focuses on overcoming the challenges of working on a small scale on constrained city, town or village sites.

We look forward to hearing the results on the 7th of October.

Read more about the project here

20 July 2020

MWA secures planning consent for the redevelopment of the historic Diorama Theatre including extensions at roof and basement levels and extensive reimagining of the interiors across all floors to restore the building to its original beauty.

The Grade I listed property was designed and purpose built by John Nash and Agustus Charles Pugin as a diorama theatre in the early 19th Century. The technology had been developed by Louis Daguerre who is widely known as the father of modern photography.

This is very exciting news for the MWA team that expended huge effort to ensure the proposals are innovative and a sympathetic and creative reuse of the historic building in Regent’s Park.

The London Borough of Camden planning committee commended MWA’s balanced proposal to preserve and enhance the heritage of the building by reinstating the original diorama drum to deliver an exciting office environment with a central focus.

The project was featured in a recent BBC Radio 4 podcast ‘Diorama Drama’ by Dr. Lance Dann about the history of Diorama Theatres across Europe. MWA will be working to deliver this exciting new development in 2021.

Read more about the project here

13 July 2020

MWA are delighted to announce that we are a finalist for the Architect of the Year Awards in the Individual House category along with 7 other top architectural firms. The awards are intended to award practices for design excellence of one-off family houses. The Architect of the Year Awards is a well established awards ceremony running since 2004, organised by Building Design.

MWA consistently strives beyond the traditional role of an Architect by proactively engaging with our clients, pre-acquisition, and to explore the potential of a site. We facilitate early collaboration and undertake feasibility studies to assist with developing a strategic brief and are focussed on delivering the highest quality of design with an environmental conscious. We look forward to the results which will be announced on October 23rd 2020.

Read more about the awards here

25 June 2020

The practice employs highly intelligent and driven employees, and is currently seeking talented Part 2 architectural assistants.

Ideally the successful candidate will:

- be proficient in, Photoshop and InDesign
- be proficient in 3D SketchUp
- have experience using MicroStation
- have the ability to visualise, illustrate and present ideas clearly
- have relevant UK experience

Since we strive to employ the best candidates available, all applicants will be required to meet the following requirements:

- a recognised Part 2 or equivalent degree qualification
- relevant experience working in architectural practice in the UK
- an impressive portfolio displaying strong design skills
- strong writing ability
- be confident, attentive, organised and pro-active
- be fluent in both spoken and written English

If you feel you fulfil all of the above criteria and wish to apply for this role, please email your CV and portfolio info@mw-a.co.uk (maximum 10MB).

22 June 2020

MWA have recently completed 7 apartments at King's Mews, WC1. Replacing a dilapidated warehouse building, the 4-storey new build adopts the proportions of a traditional mews and a contemporary industrial style to reflect the history of the area.

Size: 6,000 SQ.FT
Client: City & Provincial Properties
Status: Completed
Quantity Surveyor: Newtonwood
Planning Consultant: Montagu Evans
Daylight/ Rights to Light: GVA
Structural Engineer: JMS Engineers
M&E/ Sustainability Consultant: Cundall
Noise/ Acoustic Consultant: KP Acoustics
Construction Management: Motion UK
Local Authority: London Borough of Camden

22 June 2020

Phase 2 of this specialist day surgery and outpatient diagnostics centre in Marylebone, London is nearing completion. Work has continued on site for the duration of Covid 19 lockdown, and has included extending the scope of works to incorporate temporary overflow facilities for the NHS.

Social distancing measures have been strictly adhered to both on site, and between the consultant team. All team meetings, both internal and external have occurred over video conference and MWA have carried out site visits and sample sign offs out of hours to ensure minimal risk.

Due for completion at the end of July, porcelain floors are now being laid and the reeded glass door for the consultation rooms are due to arrive on site. As a part of the sample review process, MWA requested a completed consultation room to be available for comment and approval prior to all rooms being completed – which will be available for the team to inspect in the coming days.

Once completed, this phase will include a Women’s Healthcare Centre and ENT (Ears Nose Throat) suite.

Size: 21,458 SQ.FT
Client: Welbeck Health Partners
Status: On site
M&E Engineer: Ramboll UK Ltd.
Structural Engineer: Packman Lucas
Quantity Surveyor: Exigere
Contractor: Paragon
Interior Design & Rendering: Marek Wojciechowski Architects Ltd.
Local Authority: Westminster City Council

18 June 2020

MWA’s proposals to substantially extend, remodel and refurbish this large house in Primrose Hill have been consented by London Borough of Camden. The application had a recommendation for approval by the case officer and formal consent was granted during one of LBC’s first ‘virtual’ members briefing meetings earlier this month. Members briefings and indeed committees have now moved to a virtual platform in many London boroughs, ensuring planning and the construction industry are able to keep moving during these difficult times.

MWA’s planning consent substantially extends this unique building which at present consists of 3 residential flats. Proposals include the excavation of a new basement and double storey side extension.

Read more about the project here

Size: 9,133 SQ.FT
Client: Private
Status: Planning
Heritage Consultant: Architectural History Practice
Daylight & Sunlight Consultant: Malcolm Hollis
M&E Engineer: Cundall
Structural Engineer: Form SD
Rendering: Marek Wojciechowski Architects
Local Authority: London Borough of Camden

17 June 2020

Following recent completion of the basement structure, works have recently commenced on the installation of steelwork from ground to second floor at our new-build office development in Kings Cross. This exciting project has been in the development stage since 2016 and will see the transformation of an old industrial building formerly housing a mirror workshop into a sustainable, adaptable and modern workspace.

An extensive consultation process with local residents and the London Borough of Camden has been undertaken and will run for the duration of the construction process to keep the community informed of the progress of the development as works progress. MWA have recently teamed up with New York based firm urban farm designers, Kono Designs to integrate an urban garden within the scheme where employees will be encouraged to maintain and harvest crops such as bitter melon, blueberries & lemon trees among others enhancing the well-being and micro environment of occupants.

Read more about the project here

Size: 9,400 SQ.FT
Client: Sturgeon Capital
Status: Construction
Daylight & Sunlight: Malcolm Hollis
Structural Engineer: Parmarbrook
Services Engineer: Cundall
Planning Consultant: Bidwells
Building Control: Assent BC
Local Authority: London Borough of Camden

10 June 2020

Over the past decade, MWA have been privileged to receive a number of excellent commissions for projects located on the Outer Circle of Regents Park. This area is a unique part of London in which we love to work in. This journal examines some of our projects and builds a picture of our extensive track record for delivering high quality, sensitive development. It is always a pleasure working with Heritage England and the local authority to gain listed building consent and with The Crown Estate to agree a Licence to undertake the works.

Our extensive experience allows our Client’s to undertake extensions, basements and internal reconfigurations that are sensitive and maintain the character of the heritage assets of Regent’s Park. John Nash shaped many of the Grade I listed townhouses in the park including properties on Hanover Terrace, Park Square East, Park Square West and Cumberland Terrace.

MWA completed the refurbishment of an 8,000sq ft property on Hanover Terrace which included remodelling of the lower ground floor and adjoining mews house to provide open plan kitchen and family areas, as well as dedicated leisure space with a gymnasium, cinema, steam room and swimming pool. MWA has also worked on multiple residential projects on Park Square East and Park Square West located in the South of the park. Currently, MWA are working on a commercial project on Park Square East to extend and convert the Diorama building into 42,400 sqft of high quality office space.

MWA’s experience in this part of London continues to grow as we look to preserve and enhance this historically important, highly prestigious corner of London.

03 June 2020

Read more about the project here

Size: 5,988 SQ.FT
Client: Private
Status: Planning
Structural Engineer: Form SD
M&E Engineer: David Stillman Associates
Quantity Surveyor: Brendan Hennessy Associates
Arboriculturalist: John Cromar Arboricultural Company
Landscape Designer: James Holderness
Approved Inspector: Salus
Local Authority: Westminster City Council
Rendering: Marek Wojciechowski Architects

29 April 2020

MWA is continuing to develop concept design for the refurbishment and fit out of this existing 5 storey office building in Mayfair.

The proposals include upgrades to the entry doors and shop window, which will be submitted for planning permission shortly. Designs for the reception and communal areas are being developed, utilising a refined suite of luxurious materials including surfaces of marble and terrazzo, leather wall panelling, timber, and pale bronze detailing.

Size: 22,050 SQ.FT
Client: Private
Status: First Thoughts
Rendering: Marek Wojciechowski Architects
Local Authority: Westminster City Council

28 April 2020

Size: 5,683 SQ.FT
Client: Private
Status: Planning
Structural Engineer: Pringuer-James Consulting Engineers
M&E Engineer: Cundall
Quantity Surveyor: The Millbridge Group
Rendering: Marek Wojciechowski Architects
Local Authority: Westminster City Council

27 April 2020

MWA have prepared revised pre-planning proposals for the renovation and extension of this single family dwelling in Maida Vale. Being Grade II listed, proposals for a new lightweight rear extension have been carefully considered to enhance the existing building. Proposals include a full-refurbishment of the property including a mews house to the rear of the garden; a lightweight rear extension; a 2-storey side extension; lowering the front driveway; and lowering the lower ground floor to improve floor-to-ceiling heights.

Size: 6,891 SQ.FT
Client: Private
Status: Planning
Rendering: Marek Wojciechowski Architects
Local Authority: Westminster City Council

27 April 2020

MWA's office project in King's Cross continues on site during the lockdown with social distancing rules and measures in place to ensure we abide by industry health and safety guidelines. The contracting team has been progressing with the ground works and excavation of approximately 2,200sqft basement along with implementation works for upcoming phases of construction.

Size: 9,400 SQ.FT
Client: Sturgeon Capital
Status: Construction
Daylight & Sunlight: Malcolm Hollis
Structural Engineer: Parmarbrook
Services Engineer: Cundall
Planning Consultant: Bidwells
Building Control: Assent BC
Local Authority: London Borough of Camden

22 April 2020

MWA have submitted planning for this 70 unit housing scheme in Hounslow. The proposal responses sensitively to the surrounding site and delivers a mixture of private and affordable housing. The scheme delivers high quality architecture and increased green amenity space. Drawing inspiration from the history of the area, with the colour palette of the building inspired by the Mulberry orchards that once occupied the site.

Size: 68,000 SQ. FT
Client: View Ranks Estate Limited
Status: Planning
Planning Consultant: Barton Willmore
Transport Consultant: Peter Caneparo
Daylight and Sunlight Consultant: SRE
Rendering: Marek Wojciechowski Architects

22 April 2020

MWA has been preparing a First Thoughts document for this site located at Hanover Terrace, within the Regent's Park Conservation Area in the City of Westminster. The building was designed by John Nash in the early 1820s and the primary architectural interest of the building is derived from its external form and appearance as an element of a grand classically detailed set piece terrace.

Proposals look to refurbish the property and include a rear extension to the main house, and a new basement level in the mews to accommodate a swimming pool and additional car parking.

Size: 7,190 SQ.FT
Client: Private
Status: First Thoughts
Rendering: Marek Wojciechowski Architects

21 April 2020

A pre-planning application has been submitted by MWA for this rare infill site on Clarkson Row in Camden. The design is driven by an in depth analysis of the site and surrounding context. The proposal for the site is a new-build 4 storey building which comprises 7 flats, including a 3 bedroom family unit.

Read more about the project here

Size: 6,000 SQ. FT
Client: Private
Status: Pre-Planning
Planning Consultant: Savills
Daylight and Sunlight Consultant: Malcolm Hollis
Rendering: Marek Wojciechowski Architects