Nestled in the heart of London, adjacent to the illustrious Imperial War Museum, a Victorian building has recently captured attention due to its remarkable transformation. This historical structure, now housing an architects’ practice, was distinguished at the annual Secured by Design (SBD) awards. The accolades it received were not solely for its aesthetic appeal but largely for the adept integration of contemporary security measures within a heritage framework—a challenging task that demanded meticulous planning and collaboration.
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Situated within the West Square Conservation Area in Southwark, this locale is renowned for its significant historical and architectural allure. Any renovation undertaken in such a region necessitates a delicate balance between safeguarding the past and embracing modernity. The metamorphosis of this Victorian edifice into a contemporary workspace required strict adherence to the SBD Commercial Developments guidance. This ensured that the building met current security standards without undermining its historical essence.
The groundwork for this renovation commenced in November 2019, led by EPR Architects in partnership with a developer. A cornerstone of the project was the close collaboration with the local police Designing Out Crime Officer (DOCO). This alliance was pivotal in embedding security considerations from the project’s inception, addressing local crime risks while preserving as many original features of the building as feasible.
Security enhancements were thoughtfully implemented, including the installation of PAS 24:2016 certified sash windows and a heritage-style timber front door, also certified to PAS 24:2016. These elements were meticulously selected to harmonise with the building’s Victorian aesthetic while providing robust security. An internal secondary door equipped with access control was introduced to manage entry and exit during business hours, thus bolstering security without compromising the building’s historic façade.
Access control systems were further installed to monitor visitor movement from the reception area, ensuring a regulated flow within the building. A comprehensive CCTV system was deployed to cover strategic positions, both internally and externally, with live monitoring facilitated from the reception. This system, alongside a monitored intruder alarm equipped with glass sensors and door contacts, constitutes a robust security framework. Additionally, lighting was strategically placed at the building’s front and rear, and gates were reintroduced at the building’s boundary—a feature previously removed but reinstated to enhance security.
The success of this endeavour underscores the collaborative synergy between architects, developers, and security experts. Alan Denyer, the Metropolitan Police Designing Out Crime Officer, commended the initiative, remarking, “It was a pleasure to work with EPR on the crime prevention and SBD recommendations for this development. The result is a secure development that provides reassurance to those working at the location whilst respecting the architectural significance of the building.”
Edward Wood, Associate Director at EPR Architects, expressed his gratification with the project, emphasising the harmonious integration of security measures with the building’s historic detailing. He noted, “Achieving a Secured by Design Development Award certificate, our design introduced a fully integrated alarm and surveillance system and access control measures, including bespoke gates to the side of the building.”
This project stands as a testament to the potential of contemporary architecture to honour and preserve historical integrity while embracing necessary modern advancements. It serves as an inspiration for architects and developers working with historic buildings, demonstrating that security and heritage can coexist seamlessly. The SBD awards celebrate such achievements across various sectors, promoting the incorporation of crime prevention measures in residential, educational, health, transport, commercial, retail, sport, and leisure developments. These awards highlight the importance of crafting environments that are not only visually captivating but also secure for their inhabitants.
Collaborating with police Designing Out Crime Officers from the conceptual phase through to completion ensures that developments meet the highest security standards, ultimately enhancing the well-being of those who inhabit these spaces. The Victorian building near the Imperial War Museum exemplifies this philosophy, elegantly bridging the divide between history and modernity with both grace and security.
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