Squire and partners’ designs for the imposing red brick building retained some handsome original victorian features.
WorDS: sQuire anD Partners
phoToS: Will Pryce
SQuirE anD parTnErS
hoWicK Place
CrEaTivE hub in viCToria, LonDon
When the Post oFFice vacateD their sorting office in Victoria,
creative Italian developer Fabbriche Ceramiche saw the
potential for a creative hub in the area, aimed towards design
and arts based tenants who could benefit from shared space and
the cross fertilisation of ideas and products.
Squire and Partners’ designs for the imposing red brick building
retained some handsome original Victorian features, and
sensitively maintained and exploited the existing character,
both internally and externally, whilst inserting new modern
interventions to complement the original. Materials such as
CoreTen steel, glazed bricks and wrought iron relate to the
buildings’ history. Existing steel beams and columns were
retained and refurbished, and the original ceiling exposed.
Externally, the front facade was cleaned and repaired with
new large-pane windows to maximise natural light inside the
building.
On the upper floors of the building, residential accommodation
is provided in loft style apartments which again exploit
existing Victorian details to create a distinctive character to
the development. Double height and mezzanine spaces make
the use of high ceilings and oversized Victorian windows, and
create interesting living spaces. A palette of materials is used
which draws on historical references including glazed ceramic
bricks, stone and wrought iron. The ultimate luxury within this
development is the generous volumes of space afforded to both
commercial studios and residential apartments.