If there’s one thing we’ve learned makes better buildings, it’s empathy. Architecture never happens in isolation—and simply by being interested and engaged, we’ve found it’s possible to open up the conversations that connect a scheme to its clients and community.

We believe that the more constraints there are, the better the architecture. If there aren’t any constraints, we create them. Challenging sites, existing buildings and complex briefs almost always present incredible opportunities for great design.

To limit our environmental impact, we start with what is already there. By manipulating the form and fabric of a building—whether new or existing—we can work with the existing conditions of topography, light and orientation, and harness the natural energy sources offered by air, ground and water.

If a site’s constraints guide the bigger design decisions, then it’s empathy that informs the smaller, social details. These details frame the human narratives that aren’t included in the brief, anticipating specific moments in the users’ lives.

Good architecture is as much about what happens on the building site as it is about what’s on the drawing board. By working alongside contractors as well as clients we can ring-fence the ideas and details that matter, championing the quality of the building throughout its construction.

Curl la Tourelle Head

Unity Hub at Craig Park

Co-designed with the hub's young people
Reusing, extending and transforming an existing youth club

Sutton Social Housing

Multiple small garage sites with access constraints

Chimneys for passive stack ventilation

Revitalise Peckham Rye

Tight site and budgetary guidelines 
Extending the park into the new buildings

03.04.2021

Happy Easter and Bank Holiday Weekend!

Thank you to our team and collaborators for their hard work, as well as our clients for their support

Trinity College Dublin

Rich mix of learning and workspace environments
Prestigous historic central campus location

Model making at Curl la Tourelle Head Architecture

Independent School, Harrow

World Heritage Site context

Cutting edge STEAM facilities for pupils

29.03.2021 | View Post on Instragram

60s library swings again

Our sensitive restoration of Grade II Listed Hornsey Library is the front cover feature in the RIBAJ April edition.

Hornsey Library

Preservation and restoration of a Grade II Listed community asset
Retention and re-use, fabric first approach to sustainability

Morland Gardens

Rooftop gardens and sheltered courtyard green spaces
100% social housing, adult education and affordable workspace

New Towns, Stevenage

DETAILS from the UK's first New Town
Quality detailing during an economic downturn

29.03.2021 | View post on Instagram

60s library swings again

Our sensitive restoration of Grade II Listed Hornsey Library is the front cover feature in the RIBAJ April edition.

Staple's Corner

Greening of London's industrial fabric
Growing and ecology integrated

Derriford Care Centre

Sloping site utilised for patient privacy

Efficient patient pathways and clear orientation

Whitehall Museum

Five hundred year old Grade II* Listed museum
Sensitive extensions improving access for all

29.03.2021

Hornsey Library front cover feature in RIBAJ

60s library swings again: Curl la Tourelle Head Architecture has sensitively refurbished Hornsey's much loved public facility

Alfreton Park SEN School

Open, light-filled spaces for a range of activities
Outdoor learning spaces connected to park surrounds