Paxton House
An innovative housing solution on a complex site that won the 2018 Retrofit awards.
About this project
Forty-three dwellings and a series of shared spaces have been carefully crafted to occupy an existing concrete-framed building. The derelict 1960s office building next to Norwood Junction station had been left vacant and was being used by squatters.
Avoiding a traditional central corridor arrangement, the architects have achieved a very different type of apartment block. Through the design of an external circulation strategy, every single apartment has been created as dual aspect, with a south facing living space.
The addition of an external circulation strategy to this existing concrete frame building allowed for a greater number of apartments to be accomodated, each with a south or south west facing living space and balcony.
This tightly set, animated facade naturally led to an angled balustrade design; the angled form ensuring privacy from neighbouring apartments and adjoining gardens alike, while maximising the open view visible from the interior.
The scheme explores a series of ideas innovative to the sector. Walkways adopt the chipped rubber typical of playgrounds, ensuring total acoustic dampening. A spare bedroom and workspace is shared by the whole building.
Timber louvres define the facade. Acetylated timber ensures sustainable longevity of building cladding.
Awards
Retrofit Awards 2018
Further information
Images: Accsys