28 PROJECT REPORT: MIXED USE SCHEMES
Metal envelope
While the previous application did include metal cladding, the scheme’s envelope was originally specified to be bronze. Simon tells ADF that the Stanhope team instead opted for a Pigmento Brown zinc from VMZinc, in preference to bronze for both budgetary reasons, and because “with bronze you get a transitional period in the weathering process where it doesn't look great.” The architects looked at polyester powder coated aluminium too, “which would have been cheaper,” he explains, “but it felt a little too industrial.” They decided in the end that the zinc material chosen “had more depth” to the surface, “particularly when you see the light falling on it – it’s a little more lively.” Though successful and visually impressive, the architects tell me that there were many challenges in the creation of this envelope, including trying to achieve the concept in reality. “If we had a joint in the wrong place,” Simon says, “if the wrong type of joint was used between panels, or if there had been a profusion of heavy rivets to hold it all together, it would have killed the purity of the concept.” Tom tells me that to address these concerns, the architects engaged with the cladding manufacturer VMZinc before they went into the revised planning process to
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ensure it could be built as designed: “They put a specification together before we went to the contractor for pricing – they even recommended a thicker gauge of metal to prevent a waning effect – it’s a lesson we’ve learned before; it’s crucial to work closely with manufacturers.” Simon adds: “The devil’s in the detail, It can make or break a project.”
Context
Besides just the cladding, great thought was given to the project’s context, with the architects and planners focused on balancing residents’ needs with avoiding too much building volume. When amending the plans, Simon tells me that gaining the biggest size and presence possible for the building on the site drove the concept in the client’s mind, but there were many challenges to achieve that in such a small footprint in a busy part of the city. “We had to have a buffer to prevent overlooking, while being careful to avoid overdevelopment, which is often a problem in central London,” Simon explains. It was imperative to planners, the practice, and potential buyers alike that the design ensured privacy for residents. As such, the building was set back from the perimeter of the original building, to prevent overlooking from or to the
ADF DECEMBER 2020
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