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.

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