Studio Moren has received planning consent to cover a series of key amendments to its project at 19th-century More House in Kensington, London.
The revised scheme will restore and extend the 3,530m2 building to provide contemporary purpose-built student accommodation for client SAV Group. Additions will include a mansard roof and extensions to the rear, with internal courtyards. The latest planning consent includes the demotion of a mews garage for conversion to bedrooms, communal space and plant.
Sustainability has formed a major part of Studio Moren’s design, with every effort made to retain as much of the existing structure as possible in order to limit the embodied carbon emissions of the project. Additional features include plans to install a ground source heat pump that will provide all the heating and cooling for the property, as well as PV solar panels.
Situated at 51-55 Cromwell Road, close to Kensington, London’s art and museum centre, More House is named after St Thomas More.
Angela Franco, project lead architect at Studio Moren, said: “Angela Franco, project lead architect, Studio Moren, said: “We are focusing on the student experience in the property and modern building spaces where students can meet, interact and socialise, in contrast to the building’s former less optimal layouts. It's a very good location, opposite the Natural History Museum, with a number of amenities nearby. In the summer when the students are away, the building can be let as a short-stay accommodation.”
Rachael Reid, senior interior designer at Studio Moren, said: "The interior design scheme takes inspiration from the Victorian era, as well as Sir Richard Owen and his pivotal role in the creation of the Natural History Museum. The shared amenities are composed of a series of spaces across various levels and include flexible social working and gathering spaces, a member's club-style lounge, smaller quiet study spaces as well as a karaoke /cinema room. The studios are fitted with a dedicated workspace, kitchenette, ensuite and extensive storage to meet the needs of today’s students.”
