Bakery Place, South London
In July 2016, Jo Cowen Architects unveiled their latest residential scheme, former Victorian bakery buildings redeveloped into 12 high-end homes.
Located in South London between Falcon Park and Clapham Common, Bakery Place is a series of mews houses, apartments and a penthouse, designed for developers West Eleven.
In response to complex planning guidelines, the original features of the buildings have been incorporated into the development; for example, early glazed brickwork, corbeled cast iron columns and timber sleeper beams. In this way, the designers have sought to combine contemporary standards with the historic legacy of the buildings.
Retaining something of the buildings’ original character, each of the mews houses is named after their historic purpose – The Stables, The Lodge, The Granary and The Coach House.
The new interventions are made up of a series of delicate steel and glass elements that divide rooms while allowing for light to penetrate deep into the spaces within. This is accentuated by double-height ceilings which create a light and airy atmosphere.
The use of handmade kitchens with copper trims demonstrate the considered bespoke response adopted for every design detail.
The penthouse is generously proportioned with a private terrace overlooking the Thames and London beyond. This residence was only possible due to the installation of an entirely new roof above the original Bakehouse.
Restricted access to the site meant that craning in large pieces of steel was impossible and so small elements were carried onto site by hand and assembled in situ to create a strong, lightweight roof for the 1,860 sq. ft penthouse below.
Project Architect, Chris Wilkinson, said:
“Each and every dwelling at Bakery Place presents its own individual character and charm. It allows everyone who lives there to feel like they own something rare and exclusive, a gem in an urban landscape. I hope that people can see the consideration given to each and every peculiarity that comes with a uniquely formatted building such as this.”
All images copyright of David Butler.
Content and images courtesy of Jo Cowen Architects.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Adapting 1965-1980 semi-detached dwellings in the UK to reduce summer overheating and the effect of the 2010 Building Regulations.
- Conservation of the historic environment.
- English architectural stylistic periods.
- Historic environment.
- Incentives for the protection, restoration and maintenance of historic buildings.
- Mews.
- Renovation v refurbishment v retrofit.
- Valuing historic places.
IHBC NewsBlog
BRE/BEIS project to modernise home energy rating scheme
The Building Research Establishment (BRE) has announced a new project with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to improve and modernise the home energy rating scheme used to measure the energy and environmental performance of UK homes.
Interdisciplinary IHBC accreditation recognised by CSCS for PQP Cards
Sector lead the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) has recognised the IHBC’s professional accreditation and support (CPD etc.) in awarding its PQP (Professionally Qualified Person) cards.
IHBC Heritage Marketplace provides learning-led virtual engagement
The IHBC’s 2022 Aberdeen School Heritage MarketPlace (4.30-7.30PM, 15 June) is designed to extend the scope of a traditional IHBC School exhibition floor.
Unearthing the history of Gloucester’s 'the Fleece' Hotel starts
Work to repair a fire-hit medieval hotel in Gloucester is underway as crews have started work to strip back some of the modern trappings and reveal the historic framework.
Booking Open for IHBC Annual School: Aberdeen, 16-18 June 2022
Options for in-person and virtual delegates to explore ‘heritage on the edge’ across up to 4 days of IHBC engagement & learning.
European Heritage Heads Forum statement on Ukraine
The Secretariat to the European Heritage Heads Forum has has coordinated its declaration of solidarity and support for Ukraine’s cultural heritage institutions.
Welcome to #IHBC25 – 25 years since we turned professional
2022 will see the IHBC mark a quarter of a century since our incorporation as a professional body supporting and accrediting built and historic environment conservation specialists. We’re kick-starting it by inviting your ideas on how to mark this special year!
IHBC launches new Guidance Note on ‘Design sources for historic building conservation'
The IHBC’s latest Guidance Note adds to the institute’s open-access, online practitioner’s Toolbox.
England’s communities empowered to shape design of neighbourhoods
Twenty-five areas in England from Bournemouth to Carlisle have been awarded a share of £3 million to help them set their own standards for design locally. "move from a vicious circle of generic development to a virtuous circle of regenerative development".
IHBC at COP26 - Conserving our Places Conserves our Planet - Podcast
The IHBC seeks to raise awareness and understanding of how building conservation philosophy and practice contributes towards meeting the challenge of climate change.