Inspiring and simple nod to both Georgian and modernist neighbours
Henley Halebrown for University of Roehampton
Contract value: Confidential
GIA: 6,365m²
This scheme is set in the grounds of the Georgian grade II* listed Downshire House which itself borders the LCC’s Alton West Estate (grade II* listed). The project provides 210 en-suite student bedrooms in three new buildings. Each block employs a distinct plan type – two are villas paired around a historic sunken garden, the third a modernist pinwheel plan that lies on an axis with the sunken garden to the south of Downshire House.
The scheme’s success is based on being inspiring while remaining simple and it has a sensitive arrangement of blocks within the landscape. The main materials are limited to a dark red brown brick and precast concrete, with a darker red brick which relates to the listed building and yet remains subservient. The panel felt that the architect managed to create a welcoming and calm space that is a nod both to neighbouring Georgian and modernist architecture.
See other winners in the RIBA Regional Awards – London: Community