Architect, Contract Administrator and Project Manager – Douglas and King Architects

Quantity Surveyor – Andrew Morton Associates
Planning Consultant – Douglas and King Architects
Structural Engineer – Conisbee
MandEConsultant – Hydroc
Daylight and Sunlight – Waterslade / Point 2
Party Walls – Peter Barry Surveyors
Contractor – West 4

Update August 2019 – Shortlisted for AJ Awards. Best Residential Development in UK under £10 million
Update July 2019 – Brick Awards 2019 Small Housing Development Category (Shortlisted)

Construction was completed on this exceptional building in 2019. Douglas and King acted as Design Architect and Project Manager though all RIBA Plan of Work stages from inception to completion. The project was completed to the clients aspirations, the retained Architect as Project Manager ensured all placemaking and commercial criteria were balanced along with an excellence in building detailing through working in close partnership with a highly skilled main contractor with a Traditional Form of Building Contract.

Through a modern contextual design approach, planning was achieved for a modern mansion-block of 12 apartments over four floors. This is a design that is all about balance, composition and context. Achieving a building that sits into its site successfully while at the same time being a bold addition to the streetscape. The site lies between Hampstead's West End Green and the Redington Frognal Conservation Area, and includes the neighbouring Grade 2 listed St Andrew’s Church.

The site’s unsuccessful planning history, (two refused applications prior to 2014), and the challenges it presented were resolved by Douglas and King by working closely with the client, the LB Camden, and residents in the local community.

The new building’s roofline echoes that of St Andrew’s Church with double-height pitched setback-hipped roofs and affords a sympathetic backdrop to one of the Church’s most notable features, a memorial WW1 stained glass window designed by the Scottish architect, Douglas Strachan.

The proportions and façade of the Church played a vital role in our design considerations as did the residential typologies of the area. We created a grid from the Church’s façade that informed the massing and setting out of the new structure. The local context has been respectfully re-defined by giving the new building a light masonry finish. The form of the building suggests an architectural conversation between the neighbouring listed Church and the area’s mansion block typologies. The grid of the windows emulates the proportions of both and re-interprets them in a modern way to give expansive views of the immediate surroundings and creating light filled interiors within.

The choice of brick and detailing was a key factor to the success of the project. A mix of three stock bricks was chosen, with a randomised pattern to create a blend that changes from ground to roof level. The colours and tones of the brick reflect the stonework of the church, and compliment the grey aluminium windows and trims. Bespoke guttering, inset downpipes and deeply recessed windows compliment the building’s unpretentious and elegant elevations.

Internally a minimal palette of materials, colours and textures allow for inhabitation by future occupants. The accommodation options have been designed from the inside out to ensure they are flexible. All apartments benefit from high ceilings with large, high-performance, anodised windows and doors providing access to recessed balconies that have been envisioned as an extension of the living space.

The grounds surrounding the new development have been extended by 40m2 and our landscape design successfully combines the existing mature planting with new to encourage bio-diversity and a private recreational area.  This is an important feature of the development creating a valuable amenity and recreation space for the new residents.

The design team and delivery of this project was led by Douglas and King Architects who have acted as Architect, Planning Consultant and Contract Administrator. For information on our processes read our blog on creative leadership by CLICKING HERE

A Construction Story 2017 – 2019