Brief

Len House, a 1930s Grade II listed building in the heart of Maidstone, Kent, is a site rich in history. Over the decades, it has transformed from a car showroom and filling station to a repair workshop. Today, Len House is undergoing a significant redevelopment to serve as a modern office workspace and residential building, integrating new architecture with the building's historical charm.

The primary objective was to expand the building vertically by adding two new stories to accommodate 80 apartments without compromising the integrity or aesthetics of the original structure. This required a construction approach that balanced the lightweight and structural robustness needed for a historic building.

Solution

LGSF Ltd. was brought on board to design and supply the steel framework for the new additions. Given the building’s Grade II status, our approach prioritised:

• Lightweight framework: Adding two stories necessitated a lightweight material to avoid overloading the original structure, making steel the optimal choice.

• Seamless Integration with existing structure: Working with architects and engineers, we designed steel frames that seamlessly integrate with the building, preserving its historical features while supporting the new additions.

Results

Once completed, Len House will feature 80 high-quality apartments and office spaces that blend historical character with modern functionality, contributing to Maidstone’s urban renewal.