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Sumit Singhal
Sumit Singhal loves modern architecture. He comes from a family of builders who have built more than 20 projects in the last ten years near Delhi in India. He has recently started writing about the architectural projects that catch his imagination. Cooperative Housing Scheme on Hafer Road in London, England by Mark Fairhurst ArchitectsNovember 6th, 2016 by Sumit Singhal
Article source: Mark Fairhurst Architects Mark Fairhurst Architects were appointed in 2014 by Kuropatwa Ltd. the developer/ contractor for the technical design of the 16 residential apartments at Hafer Road, we were challenged to deliver what was a relatively complex concept design by Peter Barber Architects. Located in the London Borough of Wandsworth close to Clapham Common and Lavender Hill, 4-8 Hafer Road is a cooperative housing development replacing 8 existing flats on a former bomb damaged site with 4 maisonettes and a further 12 residential units.  Image Courtesy © Morely von Sternberg
 Image Courtesy © Morely von Sternberg A new basement provides accommodation for maisonettes naturally lit via two external courtyards to the rear and a continuous light well to the front spanned by entrance bridges to the maisonettes and communal entrances, two stair cores giving access to 8 flats above. Flats are arranged with dual aspects with a combination of external terraces, projecting balconies and recessed terraces at roof level surmounted by a biodiverse brown roof with PV cells for renewable energy.  Image Courtesy © Morely von Sternberg  Image Courtesy © Morely von Sternberg We developed the detailed design to ensure the successful realisation of the scheme and to incorporate the different design requirements of the end users, more challenging than a conventional developer led scheme. Various design enhancements were made to the glazing, internal layouts and finishes during the technical design stage. The building was constructed in in-situ reinforced concrete frame with light gauge galvanised steel structural framing system for the external brick cavity wall support. This allows substantial thermal insulation and flexibility in opening positions for various window types and concealing rainwater down pipes within the external wall construction so as not to disrupt the neatness of the façade and internal space.  Image Courtesy © Morely von Sternberg  Image Courtesy © Morely von Sternberg The residents were keen to increase views and natural daylight to the rooms surrounding the courtyard. External basement staircases, originally conceived as part of the bespoke fire strategy, were omitted and lobbies introduced at ground floor along with glazed screens to the living spaces. The original courtyard glazing, designed as a matrix of smaller composite framed window panels, were replaced with a structural glazed curtain walling system allowing unobtrusive floor to ceiling glass complimented with full height sliding doors with glazed balustrades; the opening up of the courtyard allowing one owner to install a green wall with water feature.  Image Courtesy © Morely von Sternberg  Image Courtesy © Morely von Sternberg Larger glazed panels were introduced to the rear gardens along with bi-parting sliding doors. A similar approach was taken to the design of the oriel windows with the opening sash relocated to the side panels to create a single sheet of glazing creating the ‘gold fish bowl’ effect. Brick detailing was critical to the final appearance of the building this included integrating the differing window reveal depths. The brick balconies were altered during the original planning process due to the planners concern about the bulk of full brick balustrades facing the road therefore the front balustrades were revised to steel railings.  Image Courtesy © Morely von Sternberg  Image Courtesy © Morely von Sternberg The high quality finish of the building was due to the contractor’s ability to offer a bespoke service to the residents allowing them to vary the internal finishes including the cabinets, tiling and sanitary wear. Our collaborative relationship with the contractor and expertise as an RIBA Chartered Practice enabled us to understand the complexity of the planning design and detail sympathetically to the original design intent.  Image Courtesy © Morely von Sternberg Our client and PBA were delighted with the finished building which we believe was testament not only to the original planning scheme but also to a dedicated delivery team who worked hard over a 2 year period to deliver a successful building. Started on site at the beginning of 2015, the construction for the development has completed in spring 2016.  Image Courtesy © Morely von Sternberg Architectural Practice Established in 2002 Mark Fairhurst Architects employs experienced and talented architects and architectural students with a passion for architectural design, specialising in residential, business, commercial, domestic and public projects. Located in central London, our architectural practice is ideally placed to cover the whole of the London area and beyond, having worked in the majority of the central London Boroughs and provincially working on projects in Manchester and Edinburgh.  Image Courtesy © Mark Fairhurst Architects Architecture Design The architecture design team has worked internationally in Australia, Japan and Europe including Germany, Ireland and Spain. Our architectural practice has ongoing links with architectural practices in the South of France, Dubai, Australia and Asia and are ideally positioned to assist in providing architectural services in these areas. Fairhurst’s have been practicing architecture for over 100 years representing one of the most established architectural families in the UK. Originating in the Manchester area, the family’s architectural heritage, including many listed buildings, can be witnessed today.  Image Courtesy © Mark Fairhurst Architects  Image Courtesy © Mark Fairhurst Architects  Image Courtesy © Mark Fairhurst Architects  Image Courtesy © Mark Fairhurst Architects  Image Courtesy © Mark Fairhurst Architects  Image Courtesy © Mark Fairhurst Architects  Image Courtesy © Mark Fairhurst Architects  Image Courtesy © Mark Fairhurst Architects  Image Courtesy © Mark Fairhurst Architects
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Categories: Housing Development, Residential |
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