Build Architecture Awards 2016

Build 2016 Architecture Awards 52 Crawford Partnership Alan Crawford t. 0208 444 2070 e. acrawfordpartnership.co.uk a. 1a Muswell Hill, London, N10 3TH w. www.crawfordpartnership.co.uk rawford Partnership covers a broad spectrum of building typologies, with projects mainly focused in the capital. Over the years, Crawford Partnership has established a growing reputation for innovative design solutions which, alongside the design-led ethos of the practice, has resulted in an increasing and evolving workload, with several new and exciting design commissions underway. Alan is keen to emphasise that the firm is focused on creating new homes which meet society’s needs, whilst also encompassing a design which is aesthetically pleasing. “Architecture must be a positive force for social improvement, refining the built environment to meet the changing needs of society. Within the context of a national housing crisis, and the increasing price and dearth of land within the capital, utilising the most challenging sites has become a necessity. Working with back land sites introduces an additional range of design, planning and construction issues. As designers, we focus on the opportunities that these challenges present, which are critical to how architecture can address the socio-political context that the profession exists within. “Our projects are driven by a clear and concise philosophy that is concerned with maximising opportunities to create interesting spaces and forms that combine dramatic use of materials and light, and address issues of sustainability and energy efficiency. Working from the macro site scale down to the micro detailing of a project, we understand the importance of a holistic approach to all aspects of the design and aim to create a beautiful and functional building to satisfy the client’s brief and budget.” The firm’s recently completed residential project is a source of considerable pride for Alan, who outlines the challenges faced during the construction. “Our latest residential project for three new build homes in Stonechat Mews, Roehampton, is one that fuses architecture and art to create a modern, contemporary living environment. Located on a back land site, the complex conditions of the site were very familiar to us, from the constrained site geometry, the restricted access, proximity of neighbours on every boundary, and the limited available construction budget. However, we relish these challenges, and they always inform our creative solutions. “The superlative moments for us on this project are the maximum use of glazing where possible to introduce daylight and sunlight and to provide exceptional views to the outside, whilst maintaining cool interiors and a level of privacy for occupants and neighbours alike. Room width floor to ceiling windows on the front façade, double height fully glazed winter gardens on the rear facade, and the incorporation of high level roof glazing all combine to bring natural light and sunshine into the heart of each three-storey-high dwelling, spilling down from above through bespoke sculptured cantilevered white precast polished concrete open riser staircases, anchored within the central open plan ground floor living spaces that are finished with polished concrete floors that run throughout the entire ground floor of each dwelling and provide a simple, unadulterated beauty of textures, finishes and materials to enclose the spaces, accenting the more vibrant artwork on the walls.” Crawford Partnership Best Residential Architecture Boutique - London & Best London Small Residential Project: Stonechat Mews Crawford Partnership is an award winning London-based boutique architecture and interior design practice established by founding partner Alan Crawford. We caught up with Alan to gain an insight into the company and find out what defines the practices’ ethos. C AR160117