UK Construction Journal - Issue 1 - April 2026 - Flipbook - Page 11
Before
After
Contemporary materials nod to local history: Clapham
Common has long served as a vital open green space, and its
historic listed bandstand provided the inspiration decorative
stonework and colonnades for the buildings’ entrance areas
and balconies. The balustrade is powder-coated steel in
Moss Green, which also references the famous Clapham
Bandstand. These considerations create impact and a sense
of place, while generous porched entrances add elegant
rhythm to the façade with colonnades, referencing early 20th
century designs, but with pared back elegance.
floors encourage further planting. The planting strategy by
Outerspace and HUT is designed to support resilient native
wildflowers, as well as create habitats for invertebrates and
birds. The intensive green roof, permeable hardstanding and
site wide attenuation combine to significantly reduce surface
water run-off rate and divert rainwater from the overwhelmed
sewer system.
Challenges and outcomes: Project Architect Todd Courtney
says, “The finished building prioritises quality of living
spaces, well-being, a strong connection to green areas, and
opportunities for social interaction in well-appointed common
areas. One of the constant challenges as an architect is to
be as ‘green’ as possible; some elements of landscape and
planting had to be rethought, as materials and labour costs
Each material has been carefully selected for its contemporary,
grounded feel. The subtle grey buff brick tone, with Flemish
Bond pattern, references the local Victorian and Edwardian
buildings, yet has its own quiet beauty. Internally, natural tones
for floorings and fittings have been used. Communal areas
are decorated with a soft neutral note, through generous
areas of timber panelling and off-white decoration.
Hitting the important notes: One of the challenges came
from how tight the urban site is; narrow spaces typically have
short sightlines. To create the connection with the outdoors
for the all-important sense of space and associated wellbeing, HUT elongated the site. This means residents can see
from the front right through to the gardens at the back of the
development, and beyond. This tactic avoids feeling hemmed
in or constrained and instead creates sought-after openness.
Lean and Green: The site had an existing permission that
was bland in appearance and compromised in layout. HUT
was brought in to breathe life into it, creating better designed
apartments, and delivering a high-end finish. The massing
was slightly expanded, the amount of glazing to the northern
façade was increased by 50%, without compromising
overlooking. What’s more, Clapham Quarter outperforms
the norm in terms of sustainable design. It is highly insulated,
with a low energy approach to limit operational energy use.
The project meets the target of reducing carbon emissions by
35% below 2013 Building Regulations through a combination
of ASHPs alongside a thermally efficient envelope.
Increased biodiversity: From a shabby tarmacked car
park with limited low-quality vegetation, Clapham Quarter
now boasts a 10-fold increase in biodiversity. There is a
green roof and garden space, plus the balconies across all
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