Details
Location: 19 Bellefields Road, London
Brick Manufacturer: Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC, Ibstock Brick
Brick Name: Michelmersh -Â Â Charnwood Hampshire Red, Light Victorian Red, and Light Farnham Red while also using Blockleys Black Smooth
Ibstock -Â Â Ravenhead Tradesman Common
Architect: Squire & Partners
Brickwork Contractor: Lyons & Anoot
About the project
"We think it is an accomplished commercial building design with an amazing engagement with the local community."
Squire & Partners have developed The Department Store Studios, a four-storey contemporary workspace building adjacent to their award-winning refurbishment of The Department Store as the next phase of the practice’s investment in Brixton. Providing 13,000 sq ft of workspace and 4,500 sq ft of retail, the new development creates a platform for growing businesses with flexible workspaces - from individual desks to private studios - and a host of serviced social and meeting areas. The Studios is also home to a neighbourhood bar, restaurant and screening room.
Created as a natural addition to The Department Store, The Studios is a highly sustainable development that supports local businesses by offering a Residency scheme for young entrepreneurs and a programme of events curated to share skills, inspire creativity and expand local networks.
The building replaces a series of derelict annex structures from the 1970s, taking inspiration from the robust Edwardian aesthetic of The Department Store with patterned brickwork and contemporary faceted bay windows. A setback fourth floor creates generous external terraces, and is planted with a green roof to enhance biodiversity.
The Department Store features projected snapped header brick details using a bespoke blend of handmade Hampshire Red, Light Victorian Red and Fanrham Red bricks. These bricks have been uniquely arranged to produce a textured finish that contrasts white mortar and smooth stone lintels. Taking inspiration from the robust Edwardian aesthetic of The Department Store, the new development features patterned brickwork and contemporary faceted bay windows. Black Smooth bullnose engineering bricks line the ground floor to fit within the neighbouring buildings. A setback fourth floor creates generous external terraces, and is planted with a green roof to enhance biodiversity.
Internally, designs are centred on sustainability and celebrating the honesty of raw materials. Establishing a stripped back aesthetic, the cross laminated timber frame and brick finishes are exposed throughout, offset by polished plaster and smooth grey screed floors. Exposed services feature throughout, encased in suspended metal trays. THe building also has a 120spm green roof and planted terraces to encourage biodiversity and 27 solar panels are used to harness renewable energy.
Created as a natural addition to The Department Store, The Studios is a highly sustainable development that supports local businesses by offering a Residency scheme for young entrepreneurs and a programme of events curated to share skills, inspire creativity and expand local networks.
Sponsored by Ketley Brick
Manufacturers of clay pavers and 'Class A' bricks for both facing and engineering applications in Staffordshire blue, brown brindle and red as well as a wide range of bricks slips, special bricks and paver fittings and accessories. Our expertise and flexibility allows us to tackle all kinds of projects from bespoke clay products and special shapes to standard engineering as well as class a special bricks, in large or small volumes.
