The Architects’ Journal Architecture News & Buildings
‘A jewel-like oasis’ was the verdict of our judges. In dark pandemic days, this joyous retrofit demonstrates the potential for a light-touch, low-cost approach to transform a neglected south London city space into thriving and nurturing public realm.
Sanchez Benton, an AJ 40 under 40 practice, describes its projects as ‘richly economical’, making ‘generous architecture with a strong identity’ – and Peveril Gardens and Artist Studios is no exception.
Won in competition in 2018 in collaboration with artist Gabriel Kuri, the project has revitalised an existing raised podium terrace attached to a council-owned tower-block into a delightful public walled garden – and converted a series of neglected lock-up garages into a lively offering of artist studios, café and adaptable community space.
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Frugality (sorting out the terrace waterproofing gobbled up most of the small budget) has prompted admirable creativity and minimised structural intervention. It also shows off the compelling and cost-effective possibilities of re-use.
The fabric of the building was retained as much as possible, while various materials and components were moved around to give a second life to the building. Existing brickwork from new openings was re‑used and existing garage doors were repurposed to make gates to the roof garden.
Three large openings were punched through the first-floor slab: one for a public stair to the garden; another for a large central skylight providing daylight to the centre of the deep plan; a third for an opening for a new mature tree to grow through and provide shade at first floor level.
The gardens, designed in collaboration with horticulturist Nigel Dunnett, emphasise biodiversity and provide a gardening scheme for local residents and occupants. Basic low-grade building materials such as gravel abound: the whole results in ‘outstanding landscaping with a painterly quality’.
Southwark Council had earmarked the building for demolition. This delightful and considered project is a reminder that even the most unassuming structures have value and can be given new life through simple strategic moves. It’s a project for our times.
