P r e - P l a n n i n g N e i g h b o u r C o n s u l t a t i o n

D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 3

C h i s w i c k S t a t i o n H o u s e

B u r l i n g t o n L a n e

C h i s w i c k

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Contents

Introduction Page 4

About Westgreen 5

The Site Chiswick Station 6

Surrounding Context

Chiswick Station House

Design Proposals 11

External Appearance

Existing Visuals

Proposed Visuals

Floor Space and Accommodation

Materials

Impact Assessment 16

Urban Design / Conservation

Crime Prevention

Environmental Services

Environmental Health

Light Pollution

Transport

Trees

Noise

Daylight Assessment

Daylight Modelling

Existing Daylight/Shading Models

Proposed Daylight/Shading Models

Summary 23

Front Cover Perspective of Proposed Development

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Introduction

In 2003, with the support and co-operation of London Borough of Hounslow, Westgreen’s co-founder, John Gilsenan Snr the owner of Chis-

wick Station House, extended and refurbished the then unoccupied and poorly maintained listed building to create high quality new offi ce

space with structural glass entrance lobby. Case Offi cer Colin Woodward and Conservation Offi cer Maggie Urquhart, were complimentary of

the scheme and encouraged it to be submitted for a Civic Trust Award.

Since completion the Station House has been home to the award winning design and advertising agency GBH (Gregory Bonner Hale). GBH

are a successful and developing local business which, after 10 years, have begun to outgrow the space. Westgreen now seek to further

enhance the site by way of utilising the dysfunctional and unused car park to the rear of the site for the presentation of a carefully scaled and

detailed building to serve as an ancillary offi ce to the Station House.

Given its setting, we have considered guidance contained within the English Heritage document ‘Conservation Principles, Policies and Guid-

ance, April 2008 in tandem with the needs of the user. The resulting proposal is for a building that respects the Station House but retains its

own contemporary identity. We believe the design keeps a simple aesthetic with subtle details that draw some inspiration from the station

house without imposing upon its authenticity.

Conservation Offi cer Maggie Urquhart has previously welcomed the prospect of a well designed building that would enhance the setting of

Chiswick Station House. Westgreen relish the prospect of meeting the high standards we set ourselves as well as the aspirations of the local

planning authority.

GBH Studio Chiswick Station House, 2003

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About Westgreen

Westgreen was founded in 1999 and concentrate on the residential, commercial and arts sectors. The company has

developed a reputation for focusing on high quality construction and architectural-design projects and have a portfolio

crammed full of bespoke work with an attention to detail.

Examples of Westgreen’s expertise in high quality new-build projects can be seen in schemes such as The River Cafe,

Elm Tree Road and The Royal Academy of Art. In addition, as architect, main contractor and owner, Westgreen have

experience of developing rail siding projects such as the existing Grade II Listed Chiswick Station House, East Church-

fi eld Road, W3 and 11 Sandycombe Road, Richmond. Westgreen also have experience of delivering projects on or

near to listed buildings, such as Chiswick Station House, Holland Park, W11, Queens Gate, SW7 and Warrington

Crescent, W9.

Westgreen Studio are an RIBA chartered practice and their team of architects are currently working on a range of Lon-

don residential developments, including the conversion of a Grade II listed former hotel in Queens Gate, Kensington,

into 18 luxury apartments and 2 mews houses.

James Turrell: A Retrospective Los Angeles, 2013

Parabolic Pavilion London Festival of Architecture, 2013

Elm Tree Road

Regents Park, 2012

The River Cafe London W6, 2008

PACE Gallery & Offi ces The Royal Academy of Art, 2013

Examples of Westgreen’s Past Projects

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The Site Chiswick Station

O.S. Site Plan Local Area

Commercial Areas

Residential Areas

Train Station

Bus Stops

Site Area

Burlington Lane

Park

Road

Russell K

err Clo

se

Sutton Court Road

Gro

ve P

ark

Stu

dios

Site Entrance

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3 Park Road 4 Burlington Lane 5 Shops Opposite Russell Kerr Close 6 Doctors Surgery Opposite Russell Kerr Cl2 Sutton Court Rd & Park Rd Junction

Surrounding Context

The existing pattern of surrounding development, typically consists of 2-storey 20thC semi

detached and terraced houses along Burlington Lane, Park Road and Sutton Court Road. In

addition to this the north side of Burlington Lane forms a local business node and includes

a dental practice, a veterinary clinic, a physiotherapist and restaurants. These face the site

entrance and form part of a 2.5-storey terrace that breaks the predominantly residential grain

of the area.

A total of 15 commercial properties also exist just west of the Park Road/Burlington Lane

junction in Grove Park Studios. These provide offi ce space for a range of SME’s and GBH

have considered renting these as part of their expansion plans. While they are conveniently

located, the units vary in size from 7 to 95 sq m and are all occupied by existing tenants.

1 Grove Park Studios

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O.S. Site Plan Immediate Area

Commercial Areas

Residential Areas

Train Station

Bus Stops

Site Area

Burlington Lane

Park

Road

Russell K

err C

lose

Sutton Court Road

Chiswick

Station House

Site Entrance

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Chiswick Station House

The land adjacent to the Grade II listed Station House is currently poorly used for tempo-

rary storage and GBH’s private parking. The car park is too large for their requirements

and is under used. As such the area serves as a rubbish trap and is neglected to the

point where it detracts from Chiswick Station House.

The land is bound by the railway to the south west, scrubland to the south east, fenced

rear gardens to housing fronting Russell Kerr Close, and the former Station House and

parking to the north west. The entire site is covered with tarmac, with no permanent struc-

tures and the adjacent scrubland is often used as a dumping ground from the car park. The site falls within the Chiswick House Conservation Area and comprises approximately 360 sqm with a slope down from south to north.

1 View From Pedestrian Bridge 2 Site Entrance & Former Station House 3 Private Car Park 4 Station Platform looking S.E. 5 Russell Kerr Close

Current Site Conditions

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O.S. Site Plan Extent of Proposed Annex

Commercial Areas

Residential Areas

Train Station

Site Area

Proposed Annexe

Chiswick

Station House

Annex

Car Park

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Design Proposals

External Appearance

The proposed offi ce building is located towards the southern boundary of the site. This location provides a respectable distance from

both the Station House and the adjoining residential units of Russell Kerr Close. The existing glass entrance would be replaced with a

frameless glass link to serve as an internal walkway between the Station House and the annex. Careful detailing and clear, low iron glass

will provide minimal aesthetic interruption to the existing building.

The design seeks to achieve a sharp yet understated fi nish which does not try to compete with the Station House. The ground fl oor is

predominantly brickwork with slim framed aluminium windows to allow high levels of natural light to enter the ground fl oor to create high

quality spaces. We have matched the single storey masonry section of the annex with the single storey west wing of the station house

to consolidate their proportions

In contrast to the ‘grounded’ lower elevation treatment, the entire upper fl oor plate has been wrapped in a simple glass box allow un-

interrupted sight lines through. The top fl oor has also been pulled back from the station house to minimise its impact. Integrated perfo-

rated blinds will be incorporated within the glazing structure to limit sky glow and overlooking after sunset.

This light envelope of glass runs fl ush with the masonry below but sits on a recessed channel, providing a shadow gap that allows the

upper storey to almost fl oat above the brickwork. This mirrors the detail successfully employed to separate the contemporary glass en-

trance from the carefully restored tuck pointed facade of the Station House.

At roof level careful attention to detail of the support structure, insulation, falls and other design variables achieves the slimmest profi les.

Our design takes inspiration from the contemporary station house extension and from some of the principles established at Chiswick

House Cafe. Designed by Caruso St John, with whom Westgreen have collaborated with on other projects, the cafe achieves a mod-

ern interpretation of the palladian villas that inspired Lord Burlington’s vision for Chiswick House. It also sets a standard of design and

detailing that Westgreen strive to achieve.

Site Section Proposed Building (left) and Existing Station House (right)

Proposed Building Station House

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1 Perspective From Station Entrance 2 Perspective From Outside Station House

3 Perspective From Station Platform 4 Perspective From Car Park

Existing Visuals

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1 Perspective From Station Entrance 2 Perspective From Outside Station House

3 Perspective From Station Platform 4 Perspective From Car Park

Proposed Visuals

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Design Proposals continued...

Floor Space & Accommodation

Internally the space has been designed over ground and fi rst fl oor to meet the brief of

the end user. The accommodation comprises 165m2 of new offi ce space and includes

a platform lift and disabled access WC allowing wheelchair users full access to the new

space. Shower facilities are located on the ground fl oor which, combined with a new ex-

ternal cycle store should encourage staff to use sustainable methods of transport.

Both fl oors offer open plan offi ce space to encourage collaboration with all areas benefi t-

ing from lots of natural light. The Service risers, kitchen, storage and printing areas have

been located at the rear of the building leaving a uniform, uncluttered space to work in.

Ground Floor

First Floor

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1 Structural Glass Entrance 2 Yellow Stock Brickwork 3 Shadow Gap Separating Glass and Masonry 4 Glazed Facade with Minimal Interruptions

Materials

A limited material palette of brick and glass take their inspiration from the former station house

but present a modern appearance.

The frameless glass link provides a visual break between the buildings and offers a contrast-

ing focal point to draw visitors towards the entrance.

The glass facade that wraps around the upper fl oor allows natural light to fl ood the building

while reducing its visual impact. The integrated blinds sit between the glass panes to provide

an elegant solution to limiting solar gain. These can be lowered to prevent overlooking to the

rear of Russell Kerr Close and limit sky glow during the evening. This provides a simple, un-

cluttered facade free from any brise soleil or external shades that often give a clumsy, heavy

appearance unsuitable for such a delicate aesthetic.

5 Integrated Perforated Roller Blinds

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Impact Assessment

Urban Design / Conservation

The proposed building is sited adjacent to the Grade II listed former Station House and is within the Chiswick House Conservation Area. The former Sta-

tion House, completed in 1849 is a Sir William Tite designed 2-storey villa in yellow stock brick with white rendered quoins. Single storey wings are present

on both sides, one of which was extended with a structural glass box by Westgreen in 2003. This provided a new entrance lobby for the refurbished offi ce

accommodation and is in contrast to the original entrance entablature which is supported by Doric style columns and is retained as a secondary access

point.

During the late 1840’s Tite was also responsible for designing the neighbouring stations at Kew Bridge, Barnes Bridge and Barnes before the opening of

the Hounslow Loop Line in 1850. While the styles of the stations in Barnes differ, the Kew Bridge Station, also Grade II listed, echoes the architecture of

Chiswick Station House. Unfortunately it is no longer used and has fallen into disrepair, however its historical importance is signifi cant. With its links to the

site at Chiswick they form part of the story of the creation of the Hounslow Loop and the career of an eminent architect.

The design of the proposed building considers the aesthetic and historical value of the station house along side the requirements of the user. As freehold-

ers of the station house we wish to enhance the heritage values of the building and its setting. By organising the opportunity for benefi cial change we aim

to secure the long term future of the building, site and occupiers with a new development for a sympathetic purpose.

We feel the design is of a high quality and reinforces the values of the station house without imposing upon it. Through understanding the cultural and

material heritage of the site, we feel we have provided a high quality, modern aesthetic that draws on the materials from the former station house without

detracting from its authenticity.

Westgreen have appointed an independent Historic Buildings Consultant to produce a Heritage Impact Assessment. This will be included within our Design

and Access Statement and ensure that all conservation issues are considered.

Glass DetailEntrance Lobby Junction Detail

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Crime Prevention

Having undertaken residential projects that adhere to Secured by Design (SBD) guidance Westgreen are conscious of the role that design can play in reducing the risk of crime. Westgreen contacted Tony

Philips, the local Crime Prevention Design Advisor (CPDA) who made the following recommendations.

‘It is advisable to install doorsets which achieve LPS 1175 SR2. It is also advisable to install laminate glass to all ground fl oor and accessible glazing. Opening windows should achieve BS7950( although these are now classifi ed as PAS24:2012)’

The existing car park is shielded from view, poorly lit and offers a space for people to loiter. In addition to the enhanced specifi cation of glazing and doors the proposed building will offer the opportunity for natural

surveillance from the offi ce and improved lighting which should help reduce it’s misuse.

Environmental Services

A refuse store area exists to serve the occupants of the Station House offi ce. This would be utilised for collections from the proposed offi ce space and there is the opportunity to introduce recycling facilities

here. There is currently no provision for recycling and Westgreen would welcome the opportunity to liaise with the local collection contractor to provide these. Recycling facilities would also be integrated into the

fi t out of the building with separate recycling storage in the kitchen and paper recycling facilities in the offi ce space.

Environmental Health

Given that the development is located close to a railway station and that there is no additional on site parking, it is not anticipated that the it would bring any signifi cant increase in air pollution. By adding a cycle

store and introducing showering facilities to the annex the opportunity is given for occupiers to take more sustainable modes of transport and reduce their dependency on the car.

As no demolition will be necessary and as the building is relatively small air pollution levels should be low during the construction phase. Westgreen will maintain continuous visual assessment of air pollution lev-

els and a complaints log kept to highlight the cause of any particular dust nuisance.

Light Pollution

While there are currently several lamp posts within the station car park and platform Westgreen are keen not increase and light pollution for the residents of Russell Kerr Close. The integrated roller blinds would

limit any light emitted from within the building and new external lighting would be restricted to low level bollards with shrouds to shield Russell Kerr Close from any glare.

Transport

The site is immediately adjacent to Chiswick Station and as such offers excellent access to overground trains to London Waterloo, Hounslow, Richmond and Weybridge. Bus stops on Burlington Lane are within

easy reach providing access to the 272 and E3 services to Shepherds Bush Green and Greenford.

These rail and bus services combine to give the site a good PTAL rating of 3 and, while some car parking spaces will be lost, the 6 spaces that currently serve the occupiers of the former station house will be

retained. This loss of existing parking spaces is encouraged as part of Hounslow’s SPD on Air Quality (2008) 2.2.6 ‘Converting existing off-street car parking spaces and car parks to other uses should also be

encouraged’ and 4.4.4 ‘Car parking should be discouraged within AQMAs, particularly for developments located near to public transport’.

Currently there is no dedicated provision for cycle storage other than those serving the station users. Part of the proposals would allow for 6 covered cycle spaces using ‘Sheffi eld’ style stands in stainless steel.

Trees

There are several trees situated on the vacant and land-locked area behind the site, between the railway and the adjacent houses. A mature Sycamore tree sits just outside the south corner of the site and its

canopy substantially overhangs the existing car park. Expert tree consultants, Barrell Tree Care Ltd, have carried out an assessment of this tree and consider it suitable for removal. They consider it to be damag-

ing the fabric of the railway platform and is of relatively low quality to the point at which it should not be classed as a material constraint on redevelopment.

Westgreen understand that the triangular pocket of land behind the site is owned by Houslow Council. With the correct approach the opportunity exists to improve its appearance and increase biodiversity while

offering shading and privacy to the occupiers of the proposed building.

Noise

The proposed building is sited a similar distance from the railway as the former station house and would fall under the same use class B1. As such we consider the proposals to be an appropriate use for the

site and would also act as an acoustic buffer to the residents of Russell Kerr Close.

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Impact Assessment continued...

Daylight Assessment

As with most brownfi eld sites, the development may have the potential to affect

the levels of daylight and sunlight reaching the windows of surrounding proper-

ties. The Building Research Establishment (BRE) report, “Site layout planning

for daylight and sunlight” Second Edition 2011 by PJ Littlefair (referred to as the

BRE Report) is almost universally used as the offi cial method in the UK and Ire-

land for determining the minimum standards of daylight and sunlight availability.

The processes involved in determining daylight impact take on three specifi c

stages.

1)The Distance Test: loss of light to windows need not be analysed if the dis-

tance from the existing window to the development is three of more times its

height above the centre of the existing window.

2) The 25° Rule: loss of light to windows need not be analysed if the angle to

the horizontal subtended by the new development from the centre of the exist-

ing window is less than 25°.

3) Daylight Assessment: diffuse daylight of an existing may be adversely affect-

ed by a proposed development if either:

a. the Vertical Sky Component (VSC) measured at the centre of an existing main

window is less than 27%, and less than 0.8 times its former value; or

b. the area of the working plane which can receive direct skylight is reduced to

less than 0.8 times its former value.

While many of the neighbouring properties are sited in excess of three times

the height of the proposed building, those at 2 -4 Russell Kerr Close are on the

border of these limits and merit further investigation.

Site Section A

Site Section B

Station HouseProposed Annex (front)

Proposed Annex (side) 1 - 3 Russell Kerr Close

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Daylight Modelling

The site sections opposite illustrate how the proposed building does not impinge upon the 25

degree line taken from the centre of the closest window. However to fully understand its impact we

have modelled the overshadowing on gardens and outdoor amenity space of neighbouring proper-

ties.

The pages overleaf show the results as modelled on the 21st March. This date is utilised because

the day and night-time periods are of equal length. Furthermore, the 21st March has been chosen

as it is the Spring Equinox and is considered to be the fi rst day of the year when the ability to enjoy

ones garden or amenity space is important. The 21st of March represents a worst-case scenario as

after this date, the shadows will become shorter until the 21st of June, when the shadows begin to

lengthen again.

The models demonstrate that the proposed building will have some impact at certain times of the

day but that it does not affect the light received by the rear windows of 2-4 Russell Kerr Close.

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March 21st 9:00am March 21st 11:00am

March 21st 1:00pm March 21st 3:00pm

Existing Daylight/Shading Models

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March 21st 9:00am March 21st 11:00am

March 21st 1:00pm March 21st 3:00pm

Proposed Daylight/Shading Models

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Summary

Since its restoration and conversion in 2003, the grade II listed station house had been home to award winning design and advertis-

ing agency Gregory Bonner Hale. After 10 successful years the opportunity now exists to enhance their offi ce with a well designed

building to serve as ancillary space to the station house.

The surrounding development has a mix of 2-2.5 storey 20thC semi-detached and terraced house as well as a diverse range of

small commercial businesses, restaurants and shops. As a well established business, the occupiers are keen to stay within the

building which offers perfect transport links and a quality environment in a mixed-use setting.

Due to its setting, we have carefully considered the conservation principles set forth by English Heritage and feel we have proposed

a design that enhances the site without imposing upon it. The form, materials and aesthetic details have all been given every atten-

tion from the outset and the infl uence of various factors including daylighting, transport and crime prevention have been researched.

The proposed design is carefully referenced to the original classic heritage and more recent approved contemporary alterations. By

understanding the character of the site and how it has evolved over time we have proposed a clear vision for a building that strikes

a balance between these values. In doing so we hope the area is allowed to evolve without detracting from the authenticity of the

existing station house. We believe our experience, care and attention to detail gives us an excellent opportunity to provide improve-

ments to the site, worthy of the setting.