Cultural and Community

Park Theatre, London

We collaborated with David Hughes Architects on the design of this new theatre in Finsbury Park, London. An unpromising, run down office building has been completely transformed into a state-of-the-art, yet friendly venue for the arts. From the start, the strategy was to make use of every inch of space but to bring in natural light to ensure the spaces did not feel cramped in the way that theatres can often do.

Design for a new Cultural Centre in Northwich, Cheshire, for an RIBA competition. The building is conceived of as a pair of sculptural forms which straddle a new public route between the town centre and the River Weaver. The bold use of black and white for the two parts was inspired by the half-timbered buildings that are such a strong part of the town's identity, while the yellow lift core gives access to a public roof terrace, and acts as a signpost from further away. An existing green area is retained and remodelled as an external performance space  

The main break-out space between the two parts of the building is covered by a single-span concrete roof with triangular rooflights slicing through it. Glazed ends to this space, with large sliding doors, give visual and physical permeability through the building. 

This large Primary Care Trust surgery in London endeavoured to create a functional, modern surgery without the sterile, institutional atmosphere that such buildings can often have. Warm materials like wood and rubber were used throughout, and the detailing was designed to be domestic in scale.

Competition design for a 500-bed student housing scheme for Glyndwr University. The sinuous form of the modular accommodation is wrapped in a perforated metal screen that provides solar shading and privacy to the bedrooms. At its southern end the building flows over a new 'hub' building that houses a restaurant, bar and a students' lounge.