TABERNACLE STREET, SHOREDITCH

The history of Shoreditch has been largely dictated by its location outside the city walls of London. Whilst the majority of industries were relocated from the inner city to cheaper, more expansive locations, the proximity of Shoreditch to fashionable markets secured its position as a focus of both manufacture and trade, particularly throughout the 19th and early 20th Century. With increased competition from further afield the area started to decline in the early-mid 1990’s and warehouses began to sit empty. However the flexibility of these warehouse buildings have proved to be the key to the mass redevelopment of the area we see today.

This project is located within such a setting and comprises the remodelling of the existing late 20th Century building. The design involves the reconstruction of the facade and reconfiguration of the internal layouts to include a double storey extension at roof level and rear extension to the courtyard. The design draws its inspiration from the architecture of the 19th Century industrial warehouses that make up the local urban grain. Orthogonal geometry and hard, tactile materials of metal, concrete and stone create a robust aesthetic befitting its setting within the historically industrial east London. Our holistic approach to aesthetic design sees this material palette reflected throughout the public reception spaces.