Listed Building Refurbishment Fraser House in Manchester
Fraser House, a renowned historic Victorian building designed by Edward Walters on the edge of Manchester's Chinatown part of the city's 'palazzo' architectural movement had stood vacant for many years. The brief called for bringing the listed building back to life, working entirely within its existing confines to accommodate 14 apartments across the upper floors, while restoring the lower and upper ground floors to restaurant use, in keeping with the building's recent history.
The Challenge
Our Response
Our approach was to 'take what the building gives us', using the existing loading bay as the restaurant entrance, and the historic Charlotte Street entrance and feature staircase to access the residential units from the first floor upwards. All significant heritage features have been retained throughout, with the finished units taking on an industrial loft style built around exposed brickwork, cast iron columns and other historic details. The process has involved extensive consultation with Manchester City Council and full engagement of the whole design team from inception, to develop a scheme that is practical, viable and genuinely sympathetic to the building's heritage.
