Stamford Street
Stamford Street Apartments, London
This eight-storey residential building, located in central London, exemplifies a thoughtful contrast between modern design and historical preservation. The site is defined by a Grade II listed Doric portico and its flanking walls, remnants of a 19th-century Unitarian Chapel. Following the chapel's demolition in 1964 to create a playground for the adjacent Nautical School, the new development now comprises 58No.apartments, featuring a mix of 1 and 2-bedroom units. These residences are elegantly situated behind the historic portico, which has been repurposed as the buildings main entrance. The north face of the building is crescent-shaped, forming a deliberate backdrop to the portico. The top two storeys are set back from the street facades, effectively reducing the building's apparent height and maintaining the visual continuity of the streetscape when viewed from Hatfield's and Stamford Street. The floor plans are thoughtfully arranged around a full-height atrium, providing natural light and ventilation to the access corridors overlooking it. This design creates a bright, airy environment and enhances the sense of community within the building. The upper two storeys benefit from open roof gardens, a direct advantage of the setback design, offering residents additional outdoor space.
The building features a unique exterior with predominantly red brick, stone cladding on the ground floor, and a curved glazed frontage. North-facing balconies provide private outdoor spaces for the residents, while the curved elevation ensures the new structure contrasts and complements the historic portico. The development completes the streetscape along the south edge of Stamford Street, visually linking the school building to Devonshire House and filling a previously existing gap. This continuity is intended to carry the eye upwards from the school building, enhancing the area's architectural flow and aesthetic appeal. This project demonstrates a respectful balance between preserving historical elements and introducing modern, high-quality living spaces. The juxtaposition of the old and the new highlights an appreciation for heritage while embracing contemporary design.
