Fitzroy Place

While at Whitbybird, Mark led the structural design of this high-value West End development on the former Middlesex Hospital site, working with developers Delancey and Aviva. The well-known “Noho” site had seen several unsuccessful, high-profile proposals, largely due to restrictive planning heights (6–10 storeys) and required setbacks across the site.

To maximise above-ground value, extensive basement development was proposed, posing significant cost and programme challenges. Mark proposed a unified strategy that streamlined construction and added value. Traditional piling was completely omitted in favour of deep raft foundations, with basement walls relocated inside the footprint and changed to sheet piles—reducing time, cost, and risk. A clever apron detail reintroduced perimeter support without the need for piling, allowing excavation to begin ahead of final superstructure design.

Setbacks, which typically demanded complex transfers and additional floor height, were resolved through vertical transfers and “walking” columns aligned with residential demise lines—unlocking an estimated 1–2 additional storeys and making the scheme viable.