Shaw House

A sustainable future for Shaw House

We are bringing forward proposals for the sensitive refurbishment and improvement of this long-standing short-stay accommodation building, delivering a more sustainable, accessible, and elegant future for Shaw House – while preserving its historic character.

About Shaw House

Shaw House is a post-war reconstruction of three Georgian properties, located in the heart of the Mayfair Conservation Area. For over 25 years, it has operated as a short-stay serviced apartment building. The structure comprises a lower ground floor, ground floor, four upper storeys, and a plant overrun.

While unlisted, the building is recognised by planning and design officers as a building of merit. However, it needs repair, with an outdated layout, deteriorating materials, and a mansard roof of little architectural quality. With the current operator’s lease ending, this presents a rare opportunity to invest in its future and ensure it continues to serve Mayfair in a way that is both respectful and future-ready.

The Existing Building

What We’re Proposing

We are proposing a deep retrofit and comprehensive refurbishment to restore and improve Shaw House while retaining its architectural rhythm and contribution to the streetscape.

Our approach aligns with Westminster City Council’s priorities for retrofit, design excellence, and carbon reduction.

Full retrofit of the building

Upgraded insulation, new windows, and full renewal of mechanical and electrical systems.

Net zero ready

Removal of gas boilers and transition to an all-electric energy strategy, including air source heat pumps.

Improved accessibility

A replacement lift to meet modern standards.

Smarter internal layouts

A reconfiguration of space to improve the quality of accommodation fit for Mayfair. Some existing larger 4-bed units are proposed to be reconfigured to create smaller units that are better suited for short stay accommodation.

Roof replacement

A higher-quality, traditional mansard roof in keeping with the character of Chesterfield Street.

Discreet extension

A modest single-storey addition, carefully set back and designed to be in keeping with the existing streetscape.

Why This Matters

Shaw House has provided short-term accommodation for decades. But its tired condition and outdated systems are no longer fit for purpose.

Significantly reduce carbon emissions, helping Westminster meet its 2040 net zero target.

Enhance the street scene, with improved architectural detailing and considered roof profile.

Deliver quieter, more respectful operation through fully enclosed plant and sound attenuation.

Improve energy efficiency, accessibility, and accommodation quality throughout the building.

Support the long-term vitality of the Mayfair Conservation Area with a carefully considered design.

Deliver high-quality visitor accommodation in central London, expected of the Mayfair area.

Sustainability First

We are taking a “retrofit-first” approach to improve this building. Instead of knocking the building down, we’re improving what’s already there.

All of this will reduce the building’s environmental impact and help Westminster meet its net zero targets.

1. Sustainable Land Use and Bio-diversity

Living roofs (green) are proposed for the new flat roof infill to part of the lower ground, along with the front section of main roof (Chesterfield Street side). This will help to increase biodiversity and reduce the urban heat island effect

2. Embodied Carbon

Low carbon, lightweight materials used for the new mansard roof extension. All new finishes and fittings and finishes will be responsibly and ethically sourced.

3. Sustainable Water Cycle

Set a target water consumption
Specify low-flow taps, showers and sanitaryware
Green roofs to improve SUDs

4. Operational energy - Internal

All electric scheme that will de-carbonise with the Electrical Grid
Air source heat pumps to replace existing gas fired boilers to provide all hot water for the building
Lighting throughout the building will be replaced with LED lighting paired with smart controls, reducing energy consumption

5. Embodied Carbon

Retrofit first development – Re-develop the existing building retaining as much of the in-situ embodied carbon in the building fabric as possible

6. Operational energy - building fabric

New massing to the top floors allows for much improved fabric performance and insulation at roof level
Replacement of old fenestration with new double-glazed windows
Addition of approx. 140mm internal insulation to the external walls on the lower floors will assist in improving the overall building u-values

7. Good Health and Wellbeing

Range of dual-aspect dwellings achieve good quality daylight and provide cross-ventilation, improving occupant comfort

Proposed view from Curzon Street

Proposed view from Trebeck Street

Designed with Care

We’ve worked closely with architects and heritage experts to make sure the proposals:

Fit in with nearby buildings
Are modest in scale
Improve the building’s appearance from the street
Keep mechanical plant enclosed to reduce visual clutter and quiet

We’ve looked carefully at how the building sits in Chesterfield Street and taken inspiration from the surrounding area.

Who’s Involved

This project is being brought forward by Shaw International Organisational Ltd, with a specialist team:

Shaw International Organisation Ltd

Owner

Fathom Architects

Design & Architecture

Newmark

Planning Consultant

Parsad-Wyatt Advisory

Community Engagement

Portico Heritage

Heritage

Lamorbey Associates

MEP / Sustainability

Love Design Studio

Sustainability / Whole Life Carbon

Next Steps

May, 2025

Sharing plans with neighbours