Union Wharf
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Nicholas Worley (website) Download Original
Canal-side property transformed into a contemporary, energy efficient and spatially generous family home.
Union Wharf is a mid terrace canal-side property built within the footprint of a converted factory building. It is located along the Regents Canal in Islington, London. The aspiration of the project was to transform a dated, under-performing and compromised couple’s dwelling into a contemporary, energy efficient and spatially generous family home.
Works consisted of a full refurbishment and remodel of the three-storey property including the replacement and extension of an existing roof top conservatory to transform it from an unusable store room into a contemporary habitable space that can be used all year round with an external terrace.
The approach throughout the project was to use moderately priced materials, adding value through thoughtful, crafted details and care during execution.
The footprint of the existing conservatory was increased to create a flexible space that can either be used as a guest suite, lounge and/ or study. Located along Regents Canal, the new roof top structure is inspired by canal boats incorporating an enveloping oak and ash interior. Timber and steel-flitched components create structural legibility adding rhythm and texture whilst enhancing the perception of volume. The layered south elevation maximises light, views and enhances connectivity with the terrace and sky.
The primary living space at ground floor was reconfigured to resolve the disconnection of the kitchen, lounge and dining area whilst creating an open free flowing space. A sliding glass partition allows a new playroom to be concealed or connected when appropriate to the main living space. Bespoke rotating window shutters fabricated from fluted glass provide privacy from users of the canal tow path whilst maximising natural light and views.
Inspired by the former industrial use of the building, the material palette incorporates raw and uncovered finishes such as the original concrete soffit, which contains the scars of where walls were located whilst the building was used as a factory. In contrast to this, elements such as the kitchen, fixtures and fittings are precisely detailed, warm in colour and texture to create a unique material palette with a contemporary yet homely atmosphere.
Data
- Begun: Jan 2017
- Completed: Oct 2017
- Floor area: 163m2
- Sector: Residential
- Total cost: £227,000
- Funding: Private
- Tender date: Aug 2016
- Procurement: JCT Minor Works with Contractor Design Portion for Mechanical and Electrical services
- Address: Union Wharf, Islington, London, N1 7BL, United Kingdom
Professional Team
- Architect: Nicholas Szczepaniak Architects
- Client: Martin Ross and Sunyoung Um
- Contractor: Q Projects
- Architectural metal work: Rual
- Photographer : Nicholas Worley
- Contract administrator: Nicholas Szczepaniak Architects
- Structural engineer: Blue Engineering
Suppliers
- Aluminium sliding door system: Fineline Aluminium
- Kitchen: Pro-Components
- Stove: The Better Hearth
- Concrete worksurface: Concreations
- Polished concrete floor: The Concrete Flooring Company
- Kitchen Extract Duct : Every Exhaust Part Limited
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