Old Boathouse

Napier Clarke Architects were approached by London developer Gage Properties to reimagine a dilapidated industrial plot on the banks of the Thames in Taplow. The design focuses on saving the existing boathouse and lodge building, repurposing them to residential and then providing an additional 6 new contemporary houses.

The dwellings are long and narrow emblematic of the existing boathouse/ industrial buildings. There is generous glazing on both the east and west façades providing panoramic views of the river bathing internal spaces with natural light and ventilation. On the first floor, the master bedroom has a large balcony to catch the sunset over the river. Each property benefits from a large garden to the rear and ample parking to the front.

The material palette is influenced by the existing boathouse and context. We have chosen to use a mix of light and mid grey bricks to reflect the colour palette of the riverside buildings, with slate roofs and metal handrails. Following a series of studies and a visual impact assessment, it was decided to break the scheme into two blocks to form a new public access and restore and enhance views of the riverfront from the street.