Home again – ADC

Mostly known for his houses, CFA Voysey didn’t do many commercial buildings. In fact, the champion of the Arts and Crafts architect did just one: an extension to the Sanderson Wallpaper Factory in Chiswick, west London.

Built in 1902, the building was damaged after a fire 16 years later, with the occupants deciding to leave and the building being repurposed as offices. Now, however, almost 100 years after the original tenants left, Sanderson is back – as dMFK Architects, working with client Dorrington PLC, have restored the former factory.

“The existing building had slightly lost its way, having been subjected to a series of functional changes and isolated repairs that significantly diluted the overall impact of this impressive local landmark,” said dMFK director Joshua Scott.

“We have embraced the opportunity for a holistic restoration that sought to refocus attention on the quality of Voysey’s original building, embracing some of the change but reinstating key details that help define its identity. These include the lattice steel windows and clarity of the original open plan form, accompanied by subtle but meaningful upgrades in energy performance, accessibility and modern end-of-trip provision. The result is faithful to CFA Voysey’s vision but aims to safeguard meaningful use and purpose for the foreseeable future.”

After a consultation process with Historic England and Hounslow Council, the architects were able to replace the windows inherited – which weren’t original – and replace them with ultra-thin 7.7mm double glazing set within steel reproductions of the original frames. The move to do so reduced building’s U Value by more than 50 per cent and brought the 122-year-old building up to an A-grade EPC rating.

Since being built, the building had been subject to a number of alterations, with the ground floor having a garage added along with a raised working deck, changes, say the architects, that had led to a disjointed street presence and fragmented floorplate.

Internally, dMFK’s work was to undo this in parts and to re-create a triple-aspect space that offers floor-to-ceiling heights of more than four metres. New doors and joinery echo Voysey’s original designs, restoring tactile elements to spaces that had lost their historical fixtures. On the later-added upper floors, oxidized copper cladding enhances the internal lightwell amenity terraces, complemented by “Voysey bottle green” metalwork and window frames.

Externally, the distinguished façade has been restored, with the buildings original white glazed bricks, painted Staffordshire blue bricks and Portland stone dressing being repaired and replaced where necessary.

“With its crisp play of curves and clean-cut vertical lines… Voysey’s extension to Sanderson’s wallpaper factory at Chiswick is an original application of a free style,” remarked Niklaus Pevsner in 1991. “The interiors are equally satisfactory; well lit, and given character by shallow concrete barrel-vaults above corrugated iron shuttering.”

If he were to return, Pevsner’s comments would likely remain unchanged – which is testament to the work that’s been carried out. The building’s retained top-floor structure traces the distinctive line of the original curved Portland stone parapet, with an undulating soffit punctuated by new frameless rooflights that fill the vaulted space with natural light.

“dMFK and Dorrington’s work on Voysey House is both subtle yet transformational,” said Christopher Costelloe, development advice team leader at Historic England in a statement. “Engaging with Historic England at pre-application stage offered a constructive voice to help finesse a strong scheme to revitalise the Grade II* listed building, a local landmark in a conservation area.”

“From the wholesale replacement of windows to reinstate the original glazing pattern, dark green frame colour, and introduce new energy-efficient glass, to the relocation of services to open up the interior, and the smaller but no less important task of cleaning and repairing brickwork, the team have produced a scheme to be proud of. By adapting historic buildings appropriately, we can reduce carbon emissions, improve quality of life and nurture the skills needed for a green economy.”

“Sanderson’s return to Voysey House is an exciting full-circle moment, demonstrating the value historic places have in our national story.”