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Bridge House

2000 - 2007
Bridge House opened in 1865 as the luxurious, purpose built, Clifton Downs Hotel. At the close of the twentieth century it presented a very different image to the world. By that time it had lost the whole of its top floor; a striking slated mansard design with dormer windows, together with the overhanging cornice. Internally most original features had also been lost. 

Our proposals to convert the building to 18 luxury apartments were granted planning permission in 2001, with English Heritage welcoming the proposals as"a highly visible and commendable enhancement of the architectural qualities of Bridge House and the Conservation Area generally". A key part of these proposals involved the reinstatement of the mansard roof, cornice, dormers and chimneys. Three penthouse apartments in a contemporary style have been accommodated within this reinstated mansard storey.

Apartments within the retained part of the building echo the Victorian character of the building, with new panelled doors, skirtings and cornices made to patterns taken from the original building. The apartments are laid out within the form of the original building, with the wide hotel corridors becoming galleries within individual apartments. In contrast, the new penthouse interiors are modern in design - reflecting the fact that the whole top floor is a new part of the building. The building was completed and occupied at the end of 2007. The project was awarded a Bristol Civic Society Environmental Award.