Dual Approval for Mar House Sets New Precedent in Barnet
A substantial upwards extension and first floor mezzanine we designed at Mar House in Barnet will now proceed after two planning applications were approved.
On behalf of the building’s owner and developer, Old House Group Limited, we designed a two-storey extension that will create 34 new studio, one and two bedroom apartments together with cycle and refuse storage provision. Approved using the new Part 20 Class AA PD rights, this extension will appear as a complementary and sympathetic continuation of the existing building using matching fenestration and materials. Alongside this, we’ve further maximised developable space by adding nine additional apartments at mezzanine level, which makes for a combined total of 43 new homes, an increase of almost 50%.
“The architectural language at Mar House aims to integrate with the existing building, extending the clearly defined vertical hierarchy, retaining the current rhythm of windows and doors on the elevations and continuing the facade treatment of the alternating balconies,” explains our director, Oli Lowrie. “Not only will this extension provide a high quality scheme that increases housing stock for the local area, we also believe it is one of the first and largest Part 20, Class AA approvals granted in London so has set an exciting new precedent.”
To ensure the new apartments provide high quality living environments, each property boasts ample natural light and ventilation as well as either meeting or exceeding the minimum space standards in London’s Housing Design Guide. In addition, the entire development will benefit from rooftop PV panels and a green roof.
Located on the Edgware Road, Mar House was completed in 2016 and in its current guise includes ground floor commercial units, 95 residential apartments and several live-work units. Work will commence on the new extension later this year.
