PROJECT

Library Street, London

ARCHITECT 

Metaphorm architects

YEAR

2012

The New London Awards recognise the very best in architecture, planning and development in the capital.
New and proposed projects were eligible across all sectors of the built environment and were judged by an international jury. 

Metaphorm Architects discribes to us their winning project: 

“Forty units were created including large family flats and six 4-bedroom town houses, in mixed tenure of affordable rent and shared ownership sale. The aim was to establish a sequence of public, semi-public and private open spaces. Metaphorm’s design resisted the competition brief strategy of continuing the street front along the site-bisecting Milcote Street.

The apartments benefit from generous loggias, terraces, balconies, or winter gardens. One of the best panoramic views over London can be enjoyed from the large landscaped roof garden, planted with trees and flowers, and with a pergola for festivities, serving all residents of the new development.

Beside scale and massing, materials and detailing were key to integrating the building within its partially listed conservation area neighbours. With reference to the colour variation of the adjoining buildings, brick in five different shades was chosen as the main material. However, in contrast to the context, a slim-line variety was used, with a slight hand-made appearance, arranged in a random bond. Subtly protruding and receding, storey-high brick panels in each of the five colour tones, and white pre-cast concrete elements, structure the facades.

The scheme achieves BREEAM Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4.

The project was built within the constrained budget governing affordable housing, for the London Borough of Southwark and London & Quadrant Housing Association.”