Commendation for Best Small Housing Development
BUILDING OUT
Lawfords Wharf, Lyme Street, Camden Town, London NW1 0SF
This high-density mixed-use scheme in a conservation area next to the Grand Union Canal has managed to create 12 apartments plus offices and gallery/studio space in contemporary buildings on a very tight site that used to be a derelict builder's yard. Despite the many constraints, there was even room for a landscaped parking area at the back. The site is entered by a narrow gateway between existing buildings at 10 and 11 Lyme Street, and the two new buildings run in a curve along the canal bank from the bridge at the Royal College Street end to the back of 19 Lyme Street.
One is a four-storey building at the Royal College Street end of the site with four two-bedroom flats with balconies and two three-bedroom penthouses with terraces. There are also three floors of offices at the back of the building. Then there is a low-rise white-rendered curved canalside building with a three-storey block at one end containing four two-bedroom flats and a three-bedroom penthouse and a two-storey block. This steps down to a two-storey building with two floors of offices or gallery/studio space. There are also two Grade II* listed former workers' cottages at the back of the site that have been restored extended and converted into offices.
It may be a small development but it is one that makes a big impact. Although it is not seen by passers-by in Lyme Street, it can be seen from Royal College Street and also from the canal towpath. It has played an important part in the regeneration of the area and shows how good architecture can achieve results out of all proportion to the size of the buildings. It was for this reason that the judges agreed it deserved a commendation in this category.
Homebuilder: BERKELEY HOMES (WEST LONDON) LIMITED
Sopwith Way, Queenstown Road, London SW8 4NS
Tel 020 7720 4000
Fax 020 7720 4488
Website: www.berkeleyhomes.co.uk
Contact: Paul Vallone, Divisional Operations Director.
Email: paul.vallone@berkeleygroup.co.uk
Concept and Project Design: JOHN THOMPSON AND PARTNERS
Wren House, 43 Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8EL
Tel 020 7405 1211
Fax 020 7405 1221
Website: www.jtp.co.uk
Contact: Eric Holding, Architect.
Email: eh@jtp.co.uk
and
Design Development: STOCK WOOLSTENCROFT
47-49 Pitfield Street, London N1 6DA
Tel 020 7684 8881
Fax 020 7684 8882
Website: www.stockwool.co.uk
Contact: Julian Stock, Partner.
Email: info@stockwool.co.uk