Lawrence House, Cambridge | studio24 architects

Lawrence House
Histon Road, Cambridge

studio24 were asked to consider fresh designs for the site following previous proposals that had proved economically unviable. Situated on a main arterial road leading into Cambridge the site sits amongst a cluster of buildings that form a local district centre. This scheme unlocked the viability and long term sustainability of the site, while attaining a high quality benchmark for future development. The development includes five two bedroom flats, eight one bedroom flats and a private courtyard garden.

The compact high quality living spaces offer a real alternative to the daily commute and are ideal for downsizing older urban dwellers.

The design takes a ‘Fabric first’ approach using natural and ‘A’ rated materials and constructions. This benefits the design by taking an holistic longer term view to the building's construction, material quality and services design and specification. Where space is a premium this type of solution can also bring benefits to occupants through long-term energy savings, while achieving high quality internal day lit spaces. The solar orientation and facade constructions achieve high levels of energy efficiency with the aim of reducing long term energy demands to deliver sustainable development planning policies without the need for bolt-on renewables, while also reducing on-going maintenance costs, all of importance to the developer.

Modelling studies that informed the buildings massing, also informed the buildings detail and approach to materials. One of the features of the scheme is the use of material textures and natural light to integrate the building's shape with its site. This is also reflected in a high quality shared landscaped garden at the rear of the building to form a private amenity space. The compact high quality living spaces offer a real alternative to the daily commute and are ideal for downsizing older urban dwellers.

The project was completed in spring 2018 and shortlisted for a Cambridge Design & Construction Award - Best new building 2018

Project Team
Client: HTS Estates Ltd,
Architects: studio24 architects
Planning Consultant: Carter Jonas,
PM and QS: Bremner Partnership LLP,
Structural Engineer: Conisbee,
Building Services: Cunnington Clark,
Landscape Architect: Jamie Buchanan,
Contractor: Patrick B. Doyle (Construction) Ltd