11 wins in the RIBA Regional Awards

“The jury was impressed by the level of ambition, rigorous technical design, innovation and refinement of detail in this pioneering project. As the University of Cambridge and the colleges aim to decarbonise their estate over the coming years, the Cranmer Road project will provide a pointer to some of the techniques and approaches to be followed and developed.” 

“Effort was made to reduce embodied energy, such as by using relatively lightweight construction and reusing some of the previous building’s substructure. Making the building energy efficient in use was another priority: good airtightness, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery and heat pumps all help satisfy the heating demand.” 

"Carefully considered interventions have been used such as overcladding the historic winding stairs, deformed over time, with a safe and uniform modern stair. These new walkways lead residents from the entrance lobby to the communal garden, and on to walking routes to the city centre and stations via canal towpath. The new elements, such as the communal garden space and escape stairs which sit prominently on the façade, have been carefully crafted to complement the existing, listed elements.”

“The City of London Academy is a good example of a building that is low-energy in operation, demonstrated through a high-performance facade, passive ventilation strategies, and a BREEAM Outstanding certification. It has already proved a success story for Hackney, with the borough proudly stating that the academy is witnessing a ‘steady increase of enhanced student behaviour and higher GCSE grades.” 

“Through a sustainable retrofit approach, the building has been reoriented from west to east, allowing Geffrye Street, on the museum’s East side, to feel like an extension of the museum. Both the refurbishment of the historic building and construction of the new extensions have been catalytic in animating the spaces in front of Hoxton station and Kingsland Road, positively contributing to a sense of place and reconnecting the building with the community.”

“The jury commended the new development for being extremely ambitious in providing high-calibre housing, modelled on the standards established by Sydney Cook and other leading past Camden architects. In future it is hoped that generous landscaping and human interaction will bring greater animation to this important new corner of Camden.”

“This is a thoughtful and assured piece of architecture that has been delivered with rigour and precision. To date, feedback from residents and the local community has been extremely positive. The client team sees the development as a prototype for other community-focused affordable rented housing and, considering the success of the scheme, why not?” 

“The jury commended the Central Somers Town Community Facilities and Housing as a key community asset which is a marked improvement on the previous facility on the site.”

“The resulting building is filled with light, feels extremely spacious, and works very well for children, teachers and parents. Of great note are the exterior play spaces which surround the school, including a country garden, potting shed and fallen logs, all carefully designed to cater for every type of child, from sporty types to shy individuals who might prefer to watch rather than participate.”