Winkley Workshop

The architect had to overcome numerous challenges imposed by the 3.9m x 12m site and its dense association with neighbouring properties of Teesdale Yard, East London.

Externally, a cranked roof addition to the single-storey structure mitigates any overshadowing and loss of daylight on neighbouring properties.

The addition of a basement level allows for kitchen and living space to open out onto a stepped courtyard that links the lower level with Teesdale Yard.

To the street the buildings presence is subtle and controlled, yet from within the property is a surprisingly voluminous and open experience.

This sense of space, scale and outlook is achieved by setting back floorplates to create double height spaces, having open circulation, and using extensive glazing and skylights to establish long view lines within the property and to the connecting external context.

The building utilises its vertical stacking to establish a spatial, social hierarchy from the public lower levels to the private upper level. The verticality of the design reduces the need for internal partitions and so the property is a free and open sequence of rooms to maximise the sense of space.