AXIA was recently asked to revitalize and restore the property, with the aim of dividing it into a series of spacious, four-bedroom affordable housing units, ideal for family living. This plan encountered a stumbling block, when AXIA alongside structural engineers discovered that the existing building is too badly damaged to be renovated and repaired. In a deft salvage move, the new design excises seventy percent of the building, while preserving and restoring the historical façade. The addition of new, monolithic volumes at the side and back introduce a more contemporary architectural language, which forms a striking contrast with the historical brickwork and intricate detailing. This old façade is to be cleaned, refurbished and renewed, and retrofitted with brand new windows for optimal thermal performance.