Barnsbury Square
This urban residential project is located on a very attractive garden square. Planning approval has been granted and construction will begin shortly. The existing square is a mixture of different building types, scales and styles. Each period has provided its own example of -- what was considered at the time -- contemporary architecture. This design is intended to provide a well-mannered and proud example of what our era can contribute to the rich architectural heritage of the area.
The site is long and narrow. The key to unlocking its potential was to create a large garden court at its centre. This central space opens up the massing, allowing maximum density while maintaining attractive views and sunlight for the residents and neighbours.
The concept for the façades is based on the idea of an “intelligent skin”. In traditional buildings, exteriors are made up of solid areas of wall and fixed areas of windows, which in turn have various layers of screening materials for privacy and light control, such as sheer curtains, solid drapes and shutters. An “intelligent skin” façade would allow each of these elements to be completely flexible so that the occupants could decide which areas were solid or open, clear or private, and in effect move the walls and windows to best suit the interior use. To achieve this, the façade is made up of a series of independent layers of sliding modular panels with each layer providing the different functions of a traditional façade: solid panels, clear glass and etched glass screens. It will therefore become a constantly changing canvas of overlapping layers of transparency and opacity, reflecting the internal use of the building on its façade. Because of the proportional gridded layout, it will retain a sense of scale and order in keeping with domestic architecture in the area. It will be a constantly changing abstract composition expressing the inner life of the building.
The project will use several forms of renewable energy, including a hydraulic system in the foundation piles for low energy cooling. In addition, photovoltaic panels on the roof top will generate electricity and biomass boilers will burn waste woods for heat.
The site is long and narrow. The key to unlocking its potential was to create a large garden court at its centre. This central space opens up the massing, allowing maximum density while maintaining attractive views and sunlight for the residents and neighbours.
The concept for the façades is based on the idea of an “intelligent skin”. In traditional buildings, exteriors are made up of solid areas of wall and fixed areas of windows, which in turn have various layers of screening materials for privacy and light control, such as sheer curtains, solid drapes and shutters. An “intelligent skin” façade would allow each of these elements to be completely flexible so that the occupants could decide which areas were solid or open, clear or private, and in effect move the walls and windows to best suit the interior use. To achieve this, the façade is made up of a series of independent layers of sliding modular panels with each layer providing the different functions of a traditional façade: solid panels, clear glass and etched glass screens. It will therefore become a constantly changing canvas of overlapping layers of transparency and opacity, reflecting the internal use of the building on its façade. Because of the proportional gridded layout, it will retain a sense of scale and order in keeping with domestic architecture in the area. It will be a constantly changing abstract composition expressing the inner life of the building.
The project will use several forms of renewable energy, including a hydraulic system in the foundation piles for low energy cooling. In addition, photovoltaic panels on the roof top will generate electricity and biomass boilers will burn waste woods for heat.
Country: United Kingdom
