Getting planning permission in Westminster Council is no mean feat, and understandably so, given the great care that has to be taken to preserve the architectural heritage of the historic central London district. But this is what Bennetts Associates were aiming for in unveiling their newest construction in the heart of the borough – a context-sensitive private residential mews development, located at 19–22 Rodmarton Street, built on behalf of The Portman Estate.
Bordered by the tall Georgian houses of Gloucester Place, and only a stone’s throw from Baker Street, the Rodmarton Street development is a small series of high-end sustainable homes consisting of two two-bedroom maisonettes, one 3-bedroom townhouse, a single one-bedroom flat and two garages. The site's restricted natural light was one of the project's key challenges. This problem was cleverly solved with the addition of external and internal courtyards, casting plenty of sunshine deep into the centre of each home.
‘The development is sensitive to the original character of Rodmarton Street while ensuring the homes are light and spacious, characteristics not usually associated with mews properties’, says Rab Bennetts, director at Bennetts Associates, explaining the process of merging the mews complex with its surrounding structures. The development was approached as a contemporary interpretation of its historical neighbourhood counterparts, so the architects aimed to blend this modern intervention through a material pallette that draws on the original character of the street, featuring brick and contemporary oak.
Shortlisted for a RIBA London Award, Rodmarton Street is the second project for The Portman Estate, whose property portfolio totals an impressive 110 acres and spans the most exclusive postcodes in the West End. Their investments have seen the successful renovation of many Georgian properties, attracting a new mix of residents, businesses and visitors with the addition of independent shops and restaurants to these rejuvenated areas.
The architects took their cue from the area’s existing historic character
One of the site’s key issues was its restricted natural light
The architects tackled this challenge by the creation of several courtyards throughout the layout
This extended to the material pallette, which references the surrounding buildings
Brick and contemporary oak make up most of the building’s main structure
Bordered by the tall Georgian houses of Gloucester Place, and only a stone’s throw from Baker Street, the Rodmarton Street development is a small series of high-end sustainable homes
INFORMATION
For more information, visit Bennetts Associates’ website
Photography: Gareth Gardner
-
Bottega for Bottegas 2025 invites artisans to reinterpret the ritual of the aperitivoThe annual initiative showcases makers and creatives who share Bottega Veneta’s dedication to craft. This year’s objects come together as an exquisite, modern still life
-
Caligra launches its c100 Developer Terminal, a stripped-back machine for serious computingPentagram’s Jon Marshall has collaborated with computing start-up Caligra to shape its sleek but serious desktop and mouse
-
A 1970s brutalist icon becomes Tbilisi’s most striking new hotelNeri&Hu transforms a Soviet-era post office into the Georgian capital’s anticipated Telegraph Hotel
-
A revived public space in Aberdeen is named Scotland’s building of the yearAberdeen's Union Terrace Gardens by Stallan-Brand Architecture + Design and LDA Design wins the 2025 Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award
-
The Architecture Edit: Wallpaper’s houses of the monthFrom wineries-turned-music studios to fire-resistant holiday homes, these are the properties that have most impressed the Wallpaper* editors this month
-
A refreshed 1950s apartment in East London allows for moments of discoveryWith this 1950s apartment redesign, London-based architects Studio Naama wanted to create a residence which reflects the fun and individual nature of the clients
-
In this Cotswolds home, drama meets minimalismCotswolds home Hiaven house, with interiors designed by McLaren Excell, is a perfect blend of contemporary chic and calm, countryside drama
-
David Kohn’s first book, ‘Stages’, is unpredictable, experimental and informativeThe first book on David Kohn Architects focuses on the work of the award-winning London-based practice; ‘Stages’ is an innovative monograph in 12 parts
-
Find solace in the forest at this expansive treehouse retreat in DorsetFor sale for the first time, a treehouse, Mallinson’s Woodland Retreat, is a tribute to the skill of designer and master craftsman Guy Mallinson
-
Modernist Scotland explores the country’s impressive legacy of contemporary architectureA new book, Modernist Scotland, delves into the art and ambitions of the International Style in post-war Scotland, presenting 150 projects that typify an age of optimism and innovation.
-
100 George Street is the new kid on the block in fashionable MaryleboneLondon's newest luxury apartment building brings together a sensitive exterior and thoughtful, 21st-century interiors
