Hampstead mansion block, London,
UK, 2014-2022

The design references the mansion blocks that characterise the Hampstead townscape and translates this building type into a contemporary form. Two interlocking villas break down the mass of the development and allow views through to the green space at the rear of the site. The facade is conceived as a series of projecting bays in round and chamfered forms, made from brick with precast concrete elements.

This building is designed to accommodate older residents who wish to live independently but as part of a community and share services and facilities. Between its 29 apartments, the development offers a mix of unit sizes. Apartments are designed to exceed Lifetime Homes’ requirements and meet the design criteria for fully accessible housing. They are dual aspect and have a winter garden/loggia that encourages year-long use. Interior layouts are conceived as a flexible series of rooms, allowing flexibility in use as the needs of the residents change and develop over time, including accommodating long-term care.

Competition: 2014, First prize
Project duration: 2014-2022
Gross internal area: 6,500m2

Project team: Farrokh Aman, Stephen Bates, José Bergua (project architect), Jasper Caenepeel, Oliver Choyce, Andrew Jackson, Cornelis Knuth, Michael Hughes (project architect), Ralf Iberle, Johannes Leskien, Dionisio Mora, Cláudia Rosa, Ariane Senn, Jonathan Sergison, Michael Stettler, Mark Tuff

AJ Architecture Award, Heath and Wellbeing category 2023
Architect of the Year Awards: Private housing 2022
BDA Brick Awards 2022
Camden Design Award 2022

Photographs: Johan Dehlin, David Grandorge

Ground floor plan
Second floor plan
Fourth floor plan
1 / 2Second floor plan