Notting Hill architects get the green light to build rare mews property

A proposed mixed-use development in North London that combines mews property and commercial space has been granted planning approval.

It has been designed by Notting Hill’s Wolff Architects, and the 12,600 sq-ft scheme is set to feature six apartments and four contemporary mews houses alongside a 1,600 sq-ft commercial area.

Known as 109 Fortis Green and located in the famous Notting Hill area, mews homes are rare in London, with only around 500 remaining in the capital according to a 2015 survey.

Wolff Architects’ Shaun Bangard said: “Fortis Green is one of the most innovative projects we’ve got right now. Our decision to combine mews architecture with commercial space was certainly architecturally adventurous, but not wholly without precedent.

“Historically, mews homes were former 18th and 19th century carriage houses, where carriages could be stored. So, [they] started life with a commercial function and our mixed scheme reflects this heritage.”

Despite the go-ahead, the project did come with hurdles. Any new developments in Fortis Green are required to meet a range of environmental and aesthetic standards, owing to the area’s suburban composition.

However once complete, 109 Fortis Green will be arranged over four floors, with Wolff Architects incorporating full-length windows at every level, which includes the basement where the architects plan to dig out a sunken patio area.

Bangard continued: “There were understandable challenges involved in getting approval for such a development but it was clear Fortis Green would be a building that’s timelessly attractive and able to contribute something positive to the surrounding area’s architecture.”

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