Empathise and engage

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.

Weconstraints

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.

Passive future

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.

Social detail

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.

Mud on our boots

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 quality and sustainability throughout construction.

Argyle Primary School STEAM
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Curl la Tourelle Head

Work
  • Argyle Primary STEAM

  • Camden, London

Client
  • London Borough of Camden

Located within the Bloomsbury Conservation Area, this was a transformation of an Edwardian Annex that previously housed a disused school caretaker’s dwelling into new STEAM classroom and Family Learning Centre.

Several proposals were designed, each creatively utilising and adapting the existing spaces and structure to complement the historic environment, whilst providing a
contemporary, flexible internal space.

Carefully considered detail design was employed to sensitively integrate the character of the building fabric with the proposed internal spaces, furniture, fixtures and equipment and
mechanical and electrical fittings.

Phased internal demolition was carried out at first floor level to avoid the need for an additional external supporting structure, whilst new roof supporting structure was introduced.

Existing ill-fitting windows were completely overhauled, rainwater goods were replaced throughout, floors were strengthened and building services completely renewed. A new accessible WC was installed and careful detailing of a combination of low-cost standard and
quality bespoke stainless-steel fittings has enabled the creation of a flexible first floor space for STEAM learning. New gates, doors, access system and ramp make the ground floor Learning Centre fully accessible and Planning Permission was achieved for a lift extension which can be built as and when funds are available, making the facility fully accessible. Unforeseen works to the existing fabric were uncovered during demolition and were dealt with effectively in a timely manner.







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Fitzjohn's Primary School

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