Proposals – 49-50 Berkeley Square

OUR PROPOSALS

Our proposals will restore and regenerate the existing buildings to deliver a new wellness destination, Life.

A New Wellness Destination

In recent years, there has been an awakening in wellness and wellbeing, with understanding of the term expanding to include physical and mental health, emotional wellbeing, fitness, nutrition, sleep and mindfulness.

This more holistic understanding is changing the way spas and wellness facilities are being conceived, with a new generation of spas and resorts. Our proposals will meet ever increasing demand for these new facilities, providing a health and wellness destination in the heart of Mayfair.

The new club will be called Life, and wellness facilities provided will include: spa, hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, massage, light medical and yoga classes.

Character Precedent: Claridge’s Spa

The case for basement excavation

Health and wellness facilities are essential to the function of our proposals

The excavation of a basement presents the most heritage sensitive solution to this challenge as it provides new floor areas that can be optimised for this use. This approach avoids the need for intrusive interventions within the listed buildings, thereby preserving and protecting the form and character of the existing townhouses.

The viability of our plans depends on a new subterranean level to house the wellness facilities. Construction of the proposed basement development involves underpinning small areas of 49 Berkeley Square only and then using mining techniques to extend the basement plan area beneath 49/50 Berkeley Square and Hays Mews.

The design and detail of the proposal has been informed by extensive research and assessment of the site by our Heritage Consult and takes every opportunity to minimise adverse impacts and maximise opportunities to improve the heritage value of these buildings.

Facilities in the new basement will include a naturally treated swimming pool, hydrotherapy treatment areas, changing facilities, dedicated plant areas, private treatment rooms, a relaxation lounge and supplementary back of house areas.

Additionally, Arup Engineers have designed a construction strategy that will ensure a sensitive excavation with minimal disruption to the existing building fabric.

Stage 01: Preparatory works to existing 49 and 50 Berkeley Square structures.

Stage 2: Underpin small areas of 49 Berkeley Square around the proposed lift shafts to B00 level. Then construct hand mined transfer slab between lift shafts and towards east.

Stage 3 & 4: Create construction shaft in existing light well then extend north and south in a steel framed tunnel. Construct remaining transfer slabs from tunnel by mining to east and to west.

Stage 5 & 6: Construct hand dug caissons and new basement columns. Underpin around the basement perimeter below the transfer slab.

Stage 7: Excavate to underside of B01 slab level and cast base slab.

Stage 8 & 9: Cast B00 slab within the light well shaft and steel framed construction heading. Cast lower ground floor slab.

Our Sustainability Strategy

A refurbishment of 49/50 Berkeley Square also presents significant opportunities to upgrade the energy performance of the existing buildings, which currently feature outdated products and sub-standard systems. Our proposals will introduce a range of climate-resilient features to reduce carbon emissions and ensure integrated sustainability.

Our sustainability approach is guided by several core principles:

Character Precedent: The Valley Estate

Urban Greening

Our proposals for 49/50 Berkeley Square will also reintroduce biodiversity to the buildings while providing spaces for guests and staff to enjoy outdoor living.

We are proposing to create a new “Garden Terrace” in the existing courtyard at 49 and 50 Berkeley Square, while introducing greening to all small existing terraces throughout Number 49. The courtyard garden terrace will function as the primary social courtyard at the heart of the buildings, sheltered by a light-weight, operable glass covering for all-weather enjoyment.

Our proposals will also maximise opportunities for biodiversity throughout the building, with green walls, planting beds and other garden features introduced wherever possible.

A Heritage-Led Approach

Our experienced team have placed central importance on the fact that the Grade II listed status of the two town-houses demands a sensitive approach to any construction work proposed. The design team have undergone an exercise in assessing the existing condition of the heritage assets. Select investigative works have been undertaken to improve our understanding and clarify the history of the buildings. We have designed a sensitive approach to protect the existing buildings heritage fabric.

Proposed interventions will be intended to prolong the life and significance of the existing building fabric as much as possible, with strip out works focussed on areas of modern intervention. Only materials and techniques which have been demonstrated to be appropriate to the existing fabric will be used, with interventions designed to prolong the life and significance of the existing building fabric. Original materials will be matched wherever possible, with any changes ensuring compatible technical and aesthetic properties.

We will also ensure protection for occupants, neighbours and the heritage buildings by including well-designed fire safety features like sprinkler protection.