Bermondsey Street
Tags: offices, private homes, steel, refurbishment
- Client: Private
- Architect: Hampson Williams
- Photography: Agnese Sanvito
142 Bermondsey Street is a residential and commercial space within an existing post-war building. Located in Bermondsey on a street that has in recent years become increasingly developed and desirable, the existing building had suffered neglect – with significant cracking in many areas and potentially unstable in parts. It was in dire need of repair.
The owner has lived and worked in the building for over 20 years, and her desire was to use the existing site to create new spaces, more appropriate for the environment in which the building now exists, as well as a home in which she could enjoy her retirement. The project had a set of challenges, however, with a very small budget, tight programme and the site constraints presented by being located in an archaeologically sensitive area.
By allowing the strict daylight requirements to inform but not restrict the geometry of the extension, a striking angled roof and wall structure was developed. This angular form is mirrored throughout, with a side elevation projecting out over the pavement, appearing as if ‘plugged in’ to the existing façade. Prefabricated CLT was used for the primary structure – keeping the loads of the additional stories on the existing structure to a minimum, and ensuring a rapid construction, minimising disruption to the local area.
Given the poor state of the building it would not have been unreasonable to demolish the existing structure. However, a rational approach to repairs and re-use has allowed much of the existing structure and foundations of the building to be retained, resulting in a striking series of residential and live-work units in the heart of Bermondsey.
Awards
- RICS London Awards 2017, highly commended, 5 2017
- RIBA London Awards 2017, shortlisted, 4 2017
- RIBA London Awards 2016, shortlisted, 3 2016