103 -105 St Peters Street

St Albans

Built-in the 19th century, the buildings were originally constructed for residential use: No. 103 as a private residence and No. 105 as a vicarage for St Peter’s Church, which lies adjacent to the site across St Peter’s Street, which were later converted into office use.

The proposed design aimed to meticulously preserve the fabric of the Grade II listed property, reinstating the listed buildings to their original form. The front elevation underwent minimal intervention, including the restoration of the wrought iron railings, presumed to have been removed during the war, and the addition of soft planting to respect its historic character. At the rear, the bay window was reinstated, as referenced and detailed for its historic images from 1948. The materiality and finish across all areas of the buildings remained consistent with the existing fabric of 103-105 St Peter’s Street, characterized by white painted stonework.

The final outcome of the proposed, created a finalised scheme which was sympathetic to the character of the buildings and their surrounding context. Original room proportions were reinstated, and original features were repaired wherever possible. Where new interventions were necessary, they were designed to be ‘reversible’ and did not cause the loss of intrinsic fabric.

The buildings are situated within a sensitive heritage context, nestled in the esteemed St Albans Conservation Area (Character Area 4a, the Commercial Centre). This prime location is surrounded by numerous listed and locally listed buildings, underscoring the historical significance of the site. Among these notable structures is the neighbouring Grade II* listed Ivy House at 107 St Peter’s Street, to which 105 is adjoined. The St Albans Conservation Character Statement describes Ivy House as the landmark building of the trio,highlighting its architectural and historical prominence.­­