Set on a constrained site in the heart of Shoreditch, the design of this mixed use residential and commercial building is driven by the desire to create an enclave of space and tranquility in this city centre environment. In a densely built up urban area, sharing a party wall with a large cultural building, the challenge was to replace the existing commercial building and car park with an intervention that provided privacy without creating a fortress.

The solution was to carefully control views out of the building, along the street and between the surrounding buildings to allow uninterrupted vistas without compromising the privacy of residents. The front and rear elevations differ greatly, a response to the specific requirements of each location. To the street, overlapping planes of glass block, zinc panels and sliding glass doors create projecting oriole windows which prevent overlooking from the buildings opposite. The eye is guided along rather than across the road.

The rear elevation is almost entirely glass with translucent glass blocks and sliding glass doors arranged in a saw tooth plan. This arrangement offers views from each room, excellent daylighting and a balcony while protecting the occupier’s privacy despite the proximity of the building to the rear.

The commercial accommodation consists of two duplex units on the ground and basement levels with a large rooflight over a double height space connecting the two floors.