Whittington Estate
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Whittington Estate (also known as Highgate New Town) is a social housing project located in the North London borough of Camden. The block of flats was proposed in the 1960s and built in the 1970s as part of an extensive urban renewal initiative that took place throughout London after the Second World War.
[edit] An early work by Peter Tabori
Whittington Estate was designed by Peter Tabori, a British architect originally from Hungary. After studying under Richard Rogers, Tabori was employed by fellow Hungarian Ernö Goldfinger before working for Sydney Cook - the architect for the borough of Camden.
It was during his time with Cook that Tabori came up with the designs for Whittington Estate. The architect on the project was Kenneth Adie (of Camden Council’s Department of Technical Services), who also designed most of the interiors for the project.
[edit] Organic brutalism
The organic brutalist design of Whittington Estate came as a significant contrast to the outdated and poorly maintained working class Victorian-era residences it replaced. Tabori’s design projected a sense of community through the use of environmentally-sensitive urban planning. For instance, the four pedestrian pathways feature different types of plants and trees to break up any visual monotony and assist with wayfinding through the use of natural landmarks. Play areas are incorporated throughout the grounds of the Estate.
The six-stepped terraces project strong horizontal lines while bringing in natural lighting to each maisonette or flat - each of the 271 units with its own private, south-facing balcony or courtyard.
Kitchens face out to the pedestrian paths and play areas and interiors are airy and flexible. Partitions and panels slide up and across to open or close walls.
[edit] Shortcomings and successes
Whittington Estate is a dramatic contrast to other high rise projects constructed at the same time. It is lower to the ground, making it seem more natural despite the use of precast concrete and modern construction techniques.
Whilst it was based on aesthetically admirable principles and well-planned designs, the execution of Whittington Estate nonetheless had several issues. The project started in 1972 and was not completed until 1979 - five years later than the original completion date - and cost £9 million.
In 2020, the Twentieth Century Society (C20) backed an initiative to recognise the significance of Whittington Estate by granting it protected status.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Architectural styles.
- British post-war mass housing.
- Brutalism.
- Concept architectural design.
- Conservation area.
- Ernö Goldfinger.
- Harlow new town.
- Modernist architecture.
- Milton Keynes.
- Modernist Estates - Europe: the buildings and the people who live in them today.
- New Town Development Corporation.
- Precast concrete.
IHBC NewsBlog
HES establishes new national centre for retrofit of traditional buildings
HES plans to develop the centre follows £1m of funding from UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council.
High Court rejects oral appeal against tower block decision in historic Bloomsbury
The request was for a full Judicial Review hearing against Camden Council’s approval of a 74m-high tower block in Bloomsbury.
Mayor of London and Government announce bold plans to transform Oxford Street
Plans include turning the road into a traffic-free pedestrianised avenue, creating a beautiful public space.
Crystal Palace Subway, for 160th anniversary
The remarkable Grade II* listed Crystal Palace Subway in South London begins a new era following major restoration.
National Trust brings nature back to an area twice the size of Manchester in less than a decade
The National Trust has achieved its aim of creating or restoring 25,000 hectares of priority habitat on its land by 2025.
18th-century hospital in York to become sustainable homes
A former mental health establishment founded by a Quaker in 1792 is to be converted into 120 energy-efficient homes in York.
Context 180 Released - Where Heritage and Nature Meet
The issue includes life, death, Forests, bats, landscapes and much more.
Church architecture awards 2024: now open
The National Churches Trust has announced three awards, all of which are run in partnership with the Ecclesiastical Architects & Surveyors Association (EASA).
The essential sector guide includes officers' updates and a foreword by EH Chair Gerard Lemos.
Historic England opens nominations for the National Blue Plaque Scheme
The scheme is open to nominations to celebrate people from all walks of life.