Innovation in Kentish Town

One of London’s attractions is its wide range of architectural styles and designs, both historical and contemporary. As the price of residential space in the UK capital continues to increase substantially, some developers are becoming more ambitious, happy to take some decisions that might have been considered not ‘safe’ enough, or too expensive, in the past. 

One of these sites is a new mixed-use development on Highgate Road, a renovation project by London Buildings and architects Chassay Studio Ltd. 

The buildings, in Kentish Town, had been used for storage for some years, and the redevelopment plans began in 2011, with planning permission granted in 2012. 

The site contains seven flats, two houses and three office units as well. The buildings were constructed as new, replacing the previous buildings in their entirety. This allowed the developers and architects to look at some innovative construction methods. These include the use of a wooden frame, resulting in an NHBC warranty for Cross Laminate Timber construction, the first awarded in the UK. The method allows the frame to be constructed off-site and then installed, rather than building from scratch on the site itself. In addition, to heat the buildings air source gas absorption heat pumps have been installed. 

The architects say they have tried to combine the industrial heritage of the building with contemporary, and decorative design. The development has a landscaped courtyard, and two of the upper-storey flats are reached by a bridge. The high-spec flats and offices have been kept light with plenty of windows. 

Anyone passing the new buildings will notice the balustrading, an ornamental, delicate and unusual feature made from laser-cut steel, created by McMahon Engineering, and which can be seen throughout the development, within the flats and on the courtyard bridge.  

This news was brought to you by Morgan Pryce, a specialist tenant acquisition agent with offices in Oxford Circus and the City. Morgan Pryce specialises in search, negotiation and project management and works exclusively for tenants.