The St Mary of Eton Church, Apartments and Community Rooms, by Matthew Lloyd Architects, was one of 37 winners of the RIBA Awards 2015, announced in June.
The patterning, carried through with consistency and conviction, draws the cluster of buildings into a single collegiate group, avoiding what might otherwise have slipped into a ‘default deferential’ approach.
The scheme makes ingenious use of a surprisingly tightly constrained site. The highly articulated elevations of the wedge block are determined by rights to light considerations. By concentrating the new elements close to the boundaries a strong, clear and delightful courtyard is created for much of the housing to look over.
Description of the projet by Matthew Lloyd Architects
St Mary of Eton is a Grade II* listed church built for the Eton College Mission in the late 19th century. Matthew Lloyd Architects was appointed in 2007 to develop a design that will enable the buildings to respond to existing and emerging community need. The development involves the creation of 3 new buildings, including 27 residential units ranging from 1bed to 4bed flats, as well as a new church centre, community facilities and extensive re-landscaping.
The scheme is permeable, with a balanced mix of uses across the site: affordable housing, private housing, church, community, commercial. The new buildings frame and strengthen the profile of the church; the treatment of the facades references the care and detailing of the historic buildings. Light blue glazed bricks shine in the daylight, contrasting happily with the red brick, and the addition of white bricks further lightens the façade. On the corners of the new buildings, the subtle diamond pattern folds around like cloth. Composed to emphasize a solid, sculpted quality, the facades impart to the new buildings a sense of permanence and belonging.
CREDITS.-
Architects.- Matthew Lloyd Architects
Developer.- Thornsett Group
Contractor.- PJ Hegarty & Sons
Structural engineers.- Manhire Associates Consulting Engineers
M&E engineers.- Engineering Design Consultants (EDC)
Project management.- Roder Levitt Bucknall
Church client.- PCC of St Mary of Eton and St Augustine’s, Thornsett Group PLC & London Diocesan Fund.
Dates.- Completed 2014
Cost.- €8,42m £6m
Awards.-
RIBA National Award 2015
RIBA London Award 2015
Housing Design Awards 2015: Shortlisted
New London Awards 2015: Shortlisted
