Jack Hobhouse

Paxton House in London designed by Alma-nac features an animated facade of acetylated timber balustrades

The Paxton House designed by Alma-nac sees the renovation of a pre-existing building in Croydon, London to accommodate a larger number of apartments (now 40+) and most notably a new facade of acetylated timber balustrades that add depth and form to an otherwise, rectilinear structure.

The facade which offers a dynamic visual aesthetic also ensure privacy and some degree of sunshading for the living spaces within. The addition of an external circulation strategy to this existing concrete frame building allowed for a greater number of apartments to be accommodated, each with a south or south west facing living space and balcony.

This tightly set, animated facade naturally led to an angled balustrade design; the angled form ensuring privacy from neighbouring apartments and adjoining gardens alike, while maximising the open view visible from the interior. The scheme explores a series of ideas innovative to the sector. Walkways adopt the chipped rubber typical of playgrounds, ensuring total acoustic dampening. A spare bedroom and workspace is shared by the whole building. Acetylated timber ensures sustainable longevity of building cladding.

PROJECT DETAILS

  • Architects: Alma-nac
  • Location: 9 Cargreen Rd, London, United Kingdom
  • Lead Architect: Caspar Rodgers
  • Structural Engineers: Civic Engineers
  • M&E: Integration UK Consultants
  • Area: 2495.0 m2
  • Project Year: 2017
  • Photographs: Jack Hobhouse
  • Manufacturers: Accoya, Velfac, Teknos
  • Project Name: Paxton House
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