This recently completed mixed-use development butts up against a sensible conservation area in Westminster. The concept is based on the chaotic patchwork of the adjacent existing buildings. - Subtle steps and recesses create a controlled chaos whilst all proportions are based on the ‘golden section’. The new building provides a smooth transition between the low level Victorian neighbours on one side and the tall office block on the other with all site lines and rights of light considered. The modern rear elevation is clad in two types of charismatic textured basalt lava stone as a contemporary reference to the grey weathered bricks in its context. The grey, solid thermal mass is juxtaposed with large glazed areas and lush green planting. The building is highly insulated and has green amenity terraces throughout. It is also naturally ventilated thanks to large, triple-glazed black anodized aluminium sliding windows which allow for good cross ventilation. In order to enhance the sustainable properties on the one hand and to emphasize the patchwork approach on the other some of the glass panes have an insulating semi-translucent extruded polycarbonate honeycomb material within their cavity. Paradoxically they allow for the natural light to get into the building whilst maintaining the solid character. The building appears as a punctured solid similar to its historical neighbours and yet when seen from the inside it feels bright and modern.