Bookbinders Cottages
Details:
Type: Redevelopment of a residential estate for local charity
Location: Whetstone, London
Size: 17 flats and 1 site office
Status: April 2021 Completed
The Book Trade Charity initially approached the Royal Institute of British Architects looking for a team to help them in redeveloping their residential estate; Bookbinders Cottages. Several practices where invited to submit bids for the project and following this the Charity decided they would like to work with Bellis | Architects. The Arts & Crafts estate was originally laid out in 1927; so whilst it had great charm it didn’t meet modern day needs in terms of housing provision. Our feasibility study carried out with the clients concluded that two buildings should be demolished and four new buildings erected to compliment the original layout of the site.
The Charity provide affordable housing to young people starting out on internships in the publishing industry and also to older people retiring from the book trade. The new buildings are designed to be a contemporary interpretation of the original Arts & Crafts style cottages. The design was developed to meet the various requirements of the local planning authority whilst trying to maximise the capacity of the site. Large widows ensure that the flats benefit from plenty of natural light and many rooms are dual aspect. Careful consideration was given to the unique brick blend which complements the existing buildings.