Carlyle House

Breathing new life into a forgotten piece of central Cambridge’s commercial history, this ambitious project transformed a derelict former locksmith’s workshop into a boutique collection of six high-specification apartments. 

Urban regeneration in a historic city centre often presents the complex challenge of restricted footprints and deep, shadowy floor plans. Our approach was rooted in the fundamental belief that highly intentional, considered design in small spaces can effortlessly create generous, light-filled homes.

By meticulously stripping back the dilapidated structural shell, we were able to completely reimagine the internal volumes of the building. Every architectural decision was driven by the need to draw natural daylight deep into the living spaces, utilising expansive glazing, clever spatial sequencing, and a refined material palette to optimise every square inch of the footprint. The result is a series of serene, modern sanctuaries that feel remarkably expansive despite their tight urban context.

The architectural heartbeat of the conversion is the central circulation space, where we introduced a custom-designed folded steel and oak tread staircase. Transitional zones in multi-dwelling buildings are too often treated as purely functional and devoid of character, but our brief was to create a contemporary, light-filled core that would elevate the daily experience of the residents. We wanted the journey to each apartment to feel as thoughtfully curated as the private interiors themselves.

This striking staircase serves as a sculptural anchor for the property, perfectly balancing an industrial edge with inviting warmth. The precision-folded steel offers a sleek, minimalist structural profile that subtly nods to the site’s artisanal, metalworking past. To soften this crisp geometry, we paired the raw metalwork with solid oak treads, introducing an essential layer of organic texture and enduring longevity.

The open-riser configuration is critical to the design’s success, allowing natural light to cascade freely down through the core of the building, creating shifting shadows and maintaining a profound sense of openness throughout the day. Ultimately, this meticulous attention to materiality and light celebrates the beauty of modern craftsmanship while seamlessly tying the building’s industrial heritage to its elegant new residential purpose.