newitalianblood

A new free-standing, mixed use block creates a local destination, a strong presence on a neglected junction - a relaxed landmark. Wide sheltered pavements, glass fronted shops and a new clock encourage the sense of a civic neighbourhood centre. The design is created by extruding the site to maximise its potential, then cutting away the corners in response to neighbours’ rights to light, privacy and views. Five retail units and the apartments’ entrance fill the ground floor, ensuring all three street facades have an active ground floor. The north façade both minimizes heat loss and provides an acoustic baffle against the traffic of the main road. Its faceted form, clad in gold-copper, catches light, allowing the north facing rooms to enjoy early and evening sun. The block’s form maximizes the number of rooms enjoying direct sunlight and distant views.