Completed in Autumn 2020, Farrells’ sensitive and contemporary restoration at Belgravia’s ‘Pantechnicon’ now plays host to a brand-new concept store and dining experience, breathing new life into the former warehouse.
Appointed by Pantechnicon London Limited, Farrells began work on the scheme in 2015. The practices’ approach enhanced the Pantechnicon’s history by providing essential repairs and refurbishment of the Grade II listed building. Its classical frontage, a landmark in Belgravia, remains with its interior architecture taking on a new lease of life.
A new cantilevered three storey rear extension was created to add substantial volume on each floor with large scale warehouse inspired windows that flood the spaces with light, as well as a new glazed pavilion on the 5th floor with an opening roof, which generates additional dining and terrace space. The expansion of the previously unused basement through the lowering of the floor level to increase the height and volume of the space has also created a series of new spaces extending all the way through to the under-pavement vault rooms. The arrangement of the new building structures and fenestration are derived and drawn across the floor plan from the geometries of the classical façade whilst stepping and out structurally and spatially in a very modern way.
Design Partner at Farrells, Russ Hamilton comments: “Our designs have carefully restored the building and celebrated its heritage, whilst enhancing its interiors for modern day use. By creating the rear extension and growing the volume of the basement, the Pantechnicon now benefits from an additional 140 sqm of optimal dining and retail space.”
Built in 1830 as an arts and crafts centre and subsequently an upmarket warehouse for local residents, the look and feel of the new rear facade uses a warehouse aesthetic to reference its past whilst stepping in plan and against the skyline in a dynamic and modern way. The extension is clad in a glazed off-white brick, paying homage to the historical use of this material in London back courts whilst contrasting strongly with its neighbours London stock brick frontages.
