Albion Grove, Stoke Newington, N16

Mark Fairhurst Architects are delighted to have gained planning consent for an ingenious residential infill scheme consisting of 1 x three-bed, 2 x two-bed and 1 x one-bed flats between two historic Victorian terraces on Albion Grove, Stoke Newington, London, N16.

The new building allows access to the existing two maisonettes situated on site sharing a new stair case providing access to all levels following the floor levels of the existing building creating generous ceiling heights for the new apartments. The new building has been design to be recessive to the existing terraces. A detailed BRE Daylight & Sunlight assessment was carried out to ensure adequate daylight and sunlight reached new apartments and the proposed massing did not adversely impact on the adjacent accommodation, this resulted in a stepped massing to the rear of the property allowing the introduction of south facing terraces.

Vertical brick banding is proposed below the parapets to echo the existing stuccoed parapet details. The window proportions have carefully followed the existing proportions of the windows to the Milton Grove terrace and colour of the existing vertical sash windows to Albion Grove. Recessed brick panels create similar proportioned piers to the row of existing terrace houses and to add relief and detail to the façade. A vertical strip of glazing to the external stair case accentuates the junction with the original building and subtly highlights the communal entrance naturally lighting the staircase and lobby. A lightweight steel and glass canopy provides cover above the entrance door.

Painted to match the windows, vertical steel balustrades fabricated from flat steel sections are proposed to the front garden wall, full height doors at upper ground and first floor and the rear terraces. These are complimented with painted aluminium planters to hold terrace landscaping and steel framed privacy screens with timber infill panels. The refuse/recycling and cycle stores positioned to the entrance approach are designed with steel frames clad with timber cladding, these are covered with green roofs for planting. The main roof and rear second floor roof are also green roofs enhancing the biodiversity on the site and improving the rainwater retention of the scheme.