Architectural Cases

Bell Phillips Architects has unveiled a significant housing complex on Albion Street in East London, a project that seamlessly merges residential needs with civic design. This new development, characterized by its distinctive scalloped white brick exterior, introduces 26 homes for social and shared ownership, alongside new retail establishments and a public plaza. The design reflects a sensitive approach to its surroundings, drawing inspiration from the architectural nuances of two neighboring Grade-II listed churches, thereby creating a harmonious blend of historical context and contemporary urban living.

Situated in Rotherhithe, on the former site of the Albion Street Civic Centre, the 3,027-square-meter development offers a variety of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments. The design strategy adopted by Bell Phillips aimed to establish a "common language" that bridges the distinct aesthetics of the 1920s St Olav's Norwegian Church and the 1950s Finnish Church in London. This thoughtful integration of styles is evident in the two main blocks of the complex, each responding to a specific historical neighbor.

The larger, five-story block, constructed with red brick, mirrors the architectural style of the older St Olav's Norwegian Church. It is elevated on a substantial plinth that houses retail spaces, intentionally complementing the existing commercial establishments across the street. In contrast, the smaller, southeastern block pays homage to the modernist sensibilities of the Finnish Church, showcasing a unique scalloped white brick facade that overlooks the newly developed public square.

Tim Bell, co-founder of Bell Phillips, elaborated on the material choices, stating that the red brick plinth harmonizes with the horizontal banding of the traditional Norwegian Church, while the white brickwork ties in with the tone of the Finnish Church. He emphasized that the material palette was selected to achieve a strong civic presence, enabling the creation of a distinctive facade that, while new and intriguing, sits comfortably alongside its characterful neighbors. The apartments are predominantly dual-aspect, benefiting from the building's shallow depth. Living areas are strategically positioned to face the south, away from the bustling Rotherhithe Tunnel Approach, and feature white-steel balconies atop the red-brick block's plinth.

At the southeastern end, the deep-set balconies within the scalloped white-brick facade offer residents privacy from the public square below. This public space itself has been revitalized, with improvements inspired by the area's popular Scandinavian markets. Furthermore, a communal roof terrace has been created on the fourth floor, offering shared outdoor space for residents where the building steps back.

Albion Street represents the initial phase of a larger two-phase project undertaken by Bell Phillips for Southwark Council. The subsequent phase will involve the construction of a second block of 50 homes on the adjacent Renforth Street. This project follows Bell Phillips' recent completion of another housing block in Marylebone, which also featured a similar scalloped pale brick facade, and their contribution of mirrored pavilions to a science campus in Oxfordshire. The architectural photography for the Albion Street project was expertly captured by Kilian O'Sullivan.

Crafting Resilience: Where Design Meets Nature's Demands in Coastal Australia

Embracing Regulatory Challenges in Architectural Design

Architect Tristan Burfield approached the demanding bushfire regulations for 'No. 23' not as limitations, but as catalysts for inventive design. By selecting materials like galvanized steel and Blackbutt timber, known for their fire-resistant properties, he transformed compliance into a cornerstone of the aesthetic and structural integrity of this holiday home annexe located near Eagle Rock on Victoria's southern coast. This proactive approach allowed the project to seamlessly integrate with its natural surroundings while ensuring maximum safety for its occupants.

The Strategic Material Palette: Steel and Fire-Resistant Timber

The design of 'No. 23' is characterized by an 'agricultural' material palette, a deliberate choice that pays homage to the local environment while meeting stringent bushfire standards. The use of galvanized steel and Blackbutt timber, an Australian hardwood with inherent fire resistance, is central to the annexe's construction. This combination offers durability and protection against wildfires, making the structure a resilient addition to the coastal landscape, where bushland meets surf beaches and limestone cliffs.

Subtle Craftsmanship: Elevating Simple Materials to Architectural Art

Burfield describes his work as a 'craft of composition,' finding joy in transforming seemingly mundane building conventions into distinctive architectural moments. For 'No. 23,' this involved artfully combining everyday materials into a design that offers quiet enjoyment. The success of the annexe lies in its subtle pairings and thoughtful detailing, which elevate utilitarian elements into refined features, creating a structure that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Thoughtful Layout: An L-Shaped Sanctuary Centered Around a Paved Garden

The annexe's L-shaped floor plan is ingeniously organized around a tranquil paved garden, creating a private oasis. This layout allows an en-suite bedroom and a bunk room to overlook the garden through tall windows framed by slender Blackbutt timber. These windows, designed with fire resistance in mind, invite natural light and views, connecting the interior spaces with the outdoor environment while maintaining the building's robust protective qualities.

Innovative Exterior Features: Galvanized Steel and Rain Chains

Above the timber frames, panels of galvanized steel extend to form a shallow canopy, punctuated by circular openings. These openings are not merely decorative but serve a practical purpose, designed to accommodate rain chains that will eventually be enveloped by climbing plants. This detail illustrates a thoughtful connection to nature, where functional elements evolve into living, growing features that enhance the building's exterior and contribute to its ecological integration.

Seamless Integration: Unifying Interior and Exterior Aesthetics

The design philosophy of 'No. 23' ensures a seamless transition between its exterior and interior spaces, where the material palette is consistently applied. Inside, timber planks line the walls, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, while the robust metalwork of the exterior is echoed in elements like a raw steel trough sink in the bathrooms. This cohesive approach reinforces the architectural narrative, where every detail contributes to a unified and harmonious living environment.

Overcoming Design Obstacles: Window Placement and Material Integrity

Addressing specific building code requirements, such as the minimum height of window glazing from the external floor surface, presented an opportunity for creative solutions. Burfield's decision to extend window frames to the ground, substituting lower-level glazing with timber cladding and steel, resulted in a distinctive architectural feature. This approach not only met regulatory demands but also resolved a practical issue concerning a sagging timber door, demonstrating how challenges can inspire innovative and elegant design outcomes.