We’re proud to help architects create unique communities in London’s forgotten spaces. As housing demands continue to rise, it would be easy for developers to forego creativity in need of quick housing. And, yes, a uniformed, flat-pack empire would accommodate the masses to some extent. But London does not compromise. And it’s personality cannot be constrained.
No, London isn’t broken. But it is a little disjointed, and it’s patch-worked streets lack the clean lines and architectural consistency of Paris. But in our capital, vintage sits well next to shiney-new; and affluent streets rub shoulders with the unkept. And, somehow, the disorder in London’s architecture gives it its charm. It’s character is unlike any other city in the world, and it’s rebellious spirit is infectious. So, perhaps London’s downfalls are in fact it’s greatest promise? The old and new happily sit side by side; the traditional and contemporary are at peace.
Our capital's biggest flaw is it’s size. It needs to grow. And, with more and more heads to shelter, it needs to accommodate. Because, in spite of all its imperfections, people love London. And more people want to call our greatest city home. And judging by the list of developments set to kick-off, 2020 will be the year that London grows.
London will never loose its unique character. It just needs to utilise space cleverly, and build progressive communities in forgotten places. Let's take a look around North London. Peter Barber Architects has won a bid to develop a 1.42-acre plot in Finchley. The land has remained derelict for 20 years, and the urbanisation will provide much needed housing for the popular North London location. The proposed development will see the land split into a tree-lined avenue, with 97 plots creating a new community of families. The design proposes terraced-housing backing onto the road, resulting in significant noise reduction from the North Circular road too.
The new development will continue the 2020 trend of utilising small publicly owned areas. Most are earmarked with the condition of affordable housing being a priority, and Beechwood Mews is no exception—TfL stated the condition that half the units must be affordable.
This was no issue to Barber, who advocates strongly for the building of houses that people can actually buy into. For him, with London having so much residential land, there has to be an effort made in thinking about housing in a public space. You can see it in the new lane: It will have a playground and places for people to sit, there are plans for a café and a corner shop, there are front doors for most units that lead onto the mews. While you can’t guarantee the residents will form a community, the point is “to create opportunities for people to do stuff” in the space.
We love Barber’s ethos, and we’re here to team up with any architects that are helping London to grow. We have big plans for our capital, and 2020 is about looking ahead to the next decade of great design. We’re here to put London on the international architectural stage, and to create much needed communities in forgotten spaces.
Integrity, collaboration and ingenuity makes something unforgettable. Let’s start planning something memorable today.
Since every build is unique, the best way for us to help is to hear a little more about your build. If you have a colour in mind, we can help find the exact tone and collection
chris.flynn@uk-brick.com