Design Buy Build Issue 21 2016 | Page 69

MODERN HOMES ARCHITECTURE laboratories were taken over by the US military and used for reviewing top secret film footage and photographs taken over Nazi occupied continental Europe and Scandinavia. The laboratories were also used to produce and edit US military training and propaganda films. After WWII the laboratories were turned to the Rank Organisation and civilian use. In 2006 the Rank Organisation sold the site to MacAndrews & Forbes. In March 2014 a descision was made to close the site which by then was employing less than 70 people. The reason for the closure is that since 2009 there has been a very fast transition to digital filming, which has dramatically reduced the demand for traditionally shot films, making the laboratories at Denham redundant. ABOVE Hollywood themed public artwork. Now award winning residential developer Weston Homes has acquired the famous Denham Film Studios site and are providing an exciting new future for this famous facility. The main Art Deco building will be transformed into a stunning residential centerpiece for the development. The building will gain a new glass roofed central BELOW Exterior of Denham Studios. atrium rising from ground to top floor. The atrium space will contain a dramatic feature stairwell, internal balconies and floor to ceiling glazing, allowing natural light to cascade into the new homes. On each floor there will be new one, two and three bedroom apartments with features including large windows, high ceilings and retained period features. On the ground floor, the retained cinema will be refurbished to provide a private screening room, complete with studio bar and foyer, and there will also be a community hall/ fitness suite within the new development. More/ 5/ Within the grounds of the development, the water tank/ carpark and various ancillary buildings will be replaced by beautiful landscaped areas and new homes. The three new apartment buildings will compliment the retained Art Deco building with features including large windows, covered linear balconies and sleek contours. Within the converted and new 69 homes will be Weston Homes hallmark state-of-the-art specification including designer fully fitted kitchens, spacious stone paneled bathroom suites, stylish living rooms and luxurious bedrooms. The result will be new homes that combine history with all the facilities required for modern living. Bob Weston, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Weston Homes said: “For almost 80 years the Denham Film Studios played a central role in the history of Hollywood and British movie making. With its iconic Art Deco centerpiece, the retained and restored cinema once used by Hollywood directors and its illustrious history this is without doubt the most exciting, glamorous and unique restoration projects Weston Homes has undertaken to date. Our vision at the Denham Film Studios is to create an Art Deco and movie inspired residential address within easy commuting distance of London via rail or road.” The Denham Film Studios will