Tasou Associates Breathes
New Life Into Historic Hackney Almshouses
Tasou Associates, the Islington-based
architectural practice, has announced the
completion of its latest residential project:
the full refurbishment of the Bishop Wood’s
Almshouses in Hackney.
Working with its client, Noble House
Properties, Tasou Associates has
refurbished and restored five historic
almshouses on Lower Clapton Road, the
heart of one of London’s ancient ‘villages’.
The beautiful collection of Grade II listed
buildings includes what has been referred
to as ‘Britain’s smallest chapel’. The original
design dates to the late 1600s, and the site
has been home to Hackney residents for
over 400 years.
Guided by a philosophy that celebrates
the special character of the site, Tasou
Associates’ team focused on making as little
56 - www.refurbandrestore.co.uk
change to the historic fabric of the buildings
as possible. The design works harmoniously
with the attractive redbrick exteriors, high
pitch tiled rooves and the Gothic revival
windows of the chapel. As part of the
restoration, Tasou Associates reinstated
chimney stacks, repointed brickwork and
landscaped the central courtyard.
The result is a development of bright,
modern one and two-bedroom homes,
arranged in their original setting around a
shared courtyard. Each new home features
additional bedroom or living space within
the loft area, filled with natural light from
conservation rooflights. The fresh layout
included the addition of a bathroom, kitchen
and staircase to each property, whilst the
chapel space now features a mezzanine
level with a first-floor reception room,
overlooked by the stunning 19th century
tracery window.
The successful renovation means the
almshouses, previously identified as
vulnerable, have now been removed from the
Historic England Heritage at Risk register.
Commenting on the design, Tom Tasou,
director of Tasou Associates, said “We’re
proud to have played a role in restoring
such a special historic site, which faced
an uncertain future. The Bishop Wood’s
Almshouses is a great example of our ability
to sensitively incorporate modern design
techniques whilst respecting the traditional
elements of heritage buildings.”
Visit the Tasou Associates website for more
information and images:
www.tasou.co.uk/projects/extensions-
refurbishments/almshouses-E5.htm