101-109 Northfield Avenue, Ealing

The Airspace Challenge: Seamless Urban Densification

This development represents a sophisticated example of airspace construction, involving the vertical extension of an active commercial site. The project successfully integrated nine high-specification apartments above an existing Tesco Express, proving that value can be found even in the most built-up areas of West London. 2 new apartments were added to rear, above an existing flat roof as well as 2 apartments added in a new mansard extension.

The architectural language of 101-109 Northfield Avenue was designed to harmonize with the existing Ealing streetscape while signaling a modern & contemporary residential upgrade. The existing brickwork with stone window surrounds, combines with zinc standing seam on the mansard. A new stair core and suspended balcony was added to the rear to access the new apartments as well as a shared use circulation space was added on the 1st floor connecting all of the apartments. Large floor-to-ceiling windows & rooflights were incorporated to maximize natural light—a crucial factor in urban developments—while improving the thermal performance of the building envelope. 

Structural Engineering: The “Lightweight” Solution

Building atop an existing, functioning structure presents unique engineering hurdles. The project required a delicate balance between structural integrity and weight management.

• Lightweight Steel Frame: To minimize & distribute the load on the existing foundations, a relatively lightweight steel framing system was utilized. This allowed for rapid assembly and reduced the need for extensive (and expensive) foundation reinforcement. 
• Load Distribution: Engineers designed a bespoke transfer deck to distribute the weight of the nine new apartments evenly across the original structural columns of the Tesco unit allowing for minimal strengthening works of the existing steel framed 1900’s structure.