A new mixed-use development called Mirador on Western has been completed in Ealing, West London, featuring 23 residential units and flexible commercial space. The project, designed by Belsize Architects in collaboration with fourth_space, sits prominently at the intersection of Western Avenue and Rosebank Way along the busy A40 corridor. The building was constructed on former Transport for London land that had previously seen multiple rejected restaurant proposals.
The architectural design draws inspiration from the Art Deco buildings that have historically lined London's western gateways. The building's curved facades and horizontal banding are specifically intended to create a visual sense of movement, echoing the dynamic architectural style of the early 20th century. This design approach helps the development blend with the area's architectural heritage while providing a contemporary interpretation of classic elements.
The exterior features a distinctive dual-material palette consisting of pale buff brick combined with pale green glazed brick cladding. This carefully chosen color scheme gives the building its unique character and helps it stand out along the busy thoroughfare. The architects made extensive use of planting at both street level and on the roof terrace, creating biodiverse public spaces and shared amenity areas for residents.
To address the challenges of living adjacent to the busy A40 corridor, the architects incorporated winter gardens that provide private amenity space while screening residents from traffic noise and pollution. These innovative outdoor spaces make the private external areas more usable despite the building's location facing a major road. All 23 units benefit from the required private amenity space thanks to strategic setbacks in the building design.
According to Shahriar Nasser, founder of Belsize Architects, "The proposals seek to optimize the potential of this brownfield site through the redevelopment of the underused land to deliver high-quality Class E floorspace and much-needed dwellings for the borough." Although the site is located in a built-up part of Ealing, the council's formal development plans specifically called for redevelopment of this underutilized area.
Fourth_space took responsibility for developing the interior design concept, creating a unified environment that echoes the building's external appearance and associated landscaping. The interior design team established consistency across both public common areas and individual apartments through a subtle interplay of carefully selected fittings, finishes, textures, and colors. This cohesive approach ensures that the Art Deco inspiration carries through from the exterior into the living spaces.
The development provides outdoor spaces at multiple levels to enable residents to relax, socialize, and enjoy recreational activities. The uppermost roof level is strategically set back from the roof edge to prevent overlooking issues while still providing widespread views across the area. This rooftop amenity space covers 310 square meters and is accessible to all residents, featuring a mixture of planting, trees, and wildflower areas to maximize both visual appeal and biodiversity.
At street level, the landscaping creates an extensive green corridor that delivers defensible public space through carefully planned hard landscaping, street furniture, boundary treatments, and plant specifications. This green buffer helps screen the building from the A40 while contributing to the area's environmental quality. An avenue of semi-mature trees and hedge planting along the eastern boundary further increases local biodiversity and provides additional screening.
The design team worked closely with Ealing's transport planners to account for emerging local road network plans. The introduction of greenery along the Western Avenue streetscape is intended to provide a better experience for cyclists using this busy route. The architects had to balance the needs of residents for privacy and quiet with the broader urban planning goals for this prominent corner site.
The project followed an interesting development path, with Belsize Architects creating the original design and working closely with Ealing planners to secure permission under delegated powers. The original developer subsequently sold the site along with the approved planning permission, and the new owner brought in fourth_space as executive architect to carry the project through to completion. Fourth_space maintained the positive working relationship with Ealing Council, handling planning conditions, design modifications, material amendments, building regulations, and highway issues while ensuring high-quality construction within budget constraints.
Construction began in December 2022, with completion scheduled for February 2025. The building provides approximately 2,650 square meters of gross internal floor area, including 270 square meters of commercial space alongside the 23 residential units. The total construction cost has not been disclosed, though the project utilized a constructive management contract approach with Stack London serving as the main contractor.
The innovative design successfully unlocked the potential of this challenging urban site by delivering much-needed housing and commercial space while protecting and enhancing the local environment. The project demonstrates how contemporary architecture can respectfully reference historical styles while meeting modern sustainability and livability standards in dense urban settings.
