273 CAMDEN ROAD
London Borough of Islington, N7
A COMPLEX URBAN SITE WITH AN EXTENSIVE PLANNING HISTORY
Residential development comprising of 21 new-build apartments set within a single block.
Prior to KKM Architects’ involvement, the redevelopment of this site had already been subject to a protracted planning process, which was refused at committee and then declined at appeal. The new application submitted by KKM Architects’ successfully provided a level of residential accommodation very similar to that of the appeal scheme, whilst also developing the argument against listing the existing building to the satisfaction of Camden Council’s Design & Conservation Officer.
Located at the junction of Camden Road & Dalmeny Avenue the only structure on site was a two storey public house, the most important features being a number of mature trees along the Camden Road boundary.
The strength of the design aesthetic was conceived through an extensive study of the local vernacular with the ambition of reintegrating the site into the existing & emerging streetscape with a contemporary interpretation of established design principles. A significant issue was the location of a mature tree along the southern boundary and the existing building line on the north side of Camden Road.
The rectangular proportioned masonry façades with large glazed apertures set up a subtle articulation accentuated through recessed brick detailing. Setting the building back from the boundaries, whilst the careful balancing of mass, retained the level of residential accommodation sought by the Client.
Client:
Origin Housing
Borough:
London Borough of Islington
Units & density:
21no. residential homes, 747 hrh
Tenure:
Mix of social rental; intermediate; & market sale
Status:
RIBA Stages 1-3
Emerging redevelopment on the adjacent sites of Ada House and the John Barnes Library demanded that the proposals had to be developed with respect to local changes that had not at the time been visually realised.
Material detailing, the design of the balconies, articulation and even site setting were developed to take into account the rapid development of the surrounding context.