Coffey Architects is a top quality architectural firm. We constantly push ourselves to develop unique buildings. These could be new homes for people to live in, commercial properties, or public spaces. We have experience in these fields and various others. Because this is the case, we are able to help our clients with whatever it is they need to build.

The AJ Architecture Awards shortlists were recently revealed. Here, projects belonging to various categories are all competing for the top prizes. Our own project, Warbank Crescent, is in the running for the Housing Project category. Overall, more than 140 projects have been shortlisted in 19 categories.

As well as designs that stand out, judges look at how all the projects meet and exceed their briefs. Other details they consider include how the projects promote community or client engagement. They are also looking at how they excel in creating a sense of place or use of space. Lastly, they inspect the sustainability measures.

Award winners will be revealed on 23 Nov at a gala event in London.

Our project

Now, we will look more closely at our entry. Warbank Crescent is an affordable housing scheme consisting of 36 units. We completed it for LB Croydon’s housing company Brick by Brick. Said company was a progressive development business that the council established. They did so to develop several brownfield gap sites within the borough. The goal was to transform them into new, multi-tenure, design-led housing. We got a commission to design ten of these sites. Warbank Crescent is among them.

This particular locale had fallen into disrepair. It had a mixture of bin store areas, storage areas, and direct temporary accommodation cabins. Overlooking everything was surrounding housing. The layout and use of the site meant a challenging aspect and daylighting issues. There were tight access constraints and physical boundaries as well. They meant problems for servicing and buildability. Also, the site existed on an occupied and utilised council estate. Thus, we had to communicate and engage with residents effectively.

We took the time to listen to both local community and client requirements. Afterwards, we put forward a new housing topology. This is one that met every aspiration and was within budget. Thanks to the topology, we could maximise the build form’s efficiency. We created unique terraces and courtyard gardens. Something else we did was take care of concerns relating to privacy and overlooking, as well as access.

Get creative with the top architect in London

At Coffey Architects, we have an extensive project portfolio. Besides entirely new builds, we also work to improve what already exists through extension and renovations. These projects can be a fantastic way to revitalise without resorting to demolition.

So, if you need help from the leading architect London has, please give us a call. We would be happy to take a look at your ideas.