The Black Bull Yard scheme has renovated a formerly dilapidated office conversion, into a successful mixed-use scheme. Located within the Hatton Garden jewellery district, the development of the site has been influenced by the history of this district and draws reference from its industrial heritage.

The completed mixed-use scheme consists of three independent jewellery workshops, 25,000sqft of commercial office space and seven luxury apartments, all exposing the industrial fabric of the existing building alongside the new brass cladding system. Each function has a dedicated entrance and circulation route, maintaining privacy, whilst the shared service routes combine to create a building which is more efficient than the sum of its parts.

Clerkenwell has been a historic centre for London’s artisan crafts, most notably jewellery, watch- making and the diamond trade. Our concept for the Black Bull Yard scheme has been to evoke the principles of high-quality materials, precision engineering and bespoke design, alongside the patina of the existing buildings. The resulting scheme clearly contrasts old and new, celebrating the history of the area whilst enhancing its heritage with a contemporary space.

This concept of old and new continues with the materiality of the apartments, presenting an industrial feel with fixtures and fittings reflective of its prospective inhabitants. Like the architectural design, the new materials being introduced are highly refined, representing the history of the site as a place of bespoke industrial design and fabrication, such as solid milled brass bathroom taps that sit on rough slate grey tiles, providing continuity with the engineering brass cladding sitting alongside the patchwork existing brick façade.

Black Bull Yard provides an opportunity both to live and work in the centre of a historic part of London and to become immersed in its rich history, with bars, restaurants and coffee shops sitting alongside traditional workshops and craftsmen.

Whilst benefitting from being in the middle of it all, the distinct separation of the three spaces through clever use of geometry and careful consolidation of outlook, views, and window locations, provides residents with the feeling of being in a secure, very private environment. Terraces within the residential units feel like a retreat in the heart of the city; private, but benefiting from great views into central London.

In 2018 the project was shortlisted for the London Evening Standard New Homes Awards in the Best Small Development category.

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