Located in the heart of the Chelsea Conservation Area, 138 King’s Road is a prominent Grade II Listed building with a storied past. Originally housing the Markham Arms public house, this early Victorian three-storey structure is defined by its painted brickwork, striking bow bar window framed by Corinthian columns, and elegant stucco wings. Our project focuses on the sympathetic conversion of the building's vacant upper floors—formerly a bank—into a vibrant retail music shop. The design prioritizes the reactivation of this redundant space while ensuring the building’s historical narrative remains the primary focus.
138 Kings Road
The transformation of 138 King’s Road demonstrates our studio's ability to breathe new life into heritage assets. By balancing the requirements of a modern commercial space with the meticulous protection of Victorian fabric, the project contributes to the enduring cultural and economic vitality of one of London’s most famous thoroughfares.
The core of our proposal involves a meticulous internal reconfiguration of the first and second floors to create a high-specification commercial environment. Every alteration is designed to respect the integrity of the Grade II Listed fabric, ensuring that all new elements, materials, and finishes remain sympathetic to the original early Victorian character.
By adhering to conservation best practices, we are able to transform the interior into functional display and storage areas without any impact on the building’s distinguished façades.
