DESIGN COMMISSION: MID CENTURY REFURBISHMENT IN BLACKHEATH

Creative Building Club have been appointed to complete the design stage for the refurbishment of a fantastic property in one of the re-known mid century developments in Blackheath, London.

Blackheat (SE3) is an area of London where many fine examples of mid century architecture can be found. However, you need to look hard to find them; many of them are nicely integrated within their green surroundings and they are difficult to spot!

This relationship between nature and architecture is one of the most significant features of this type of buildings. The pictures below show some examples of how ponds, mature trees or green areas are an integral part of these developments.

Most of the mid century properties in Blackheath were built by Span Developments Ltd. Span Developments was a British property development company operating during the 50's and 60's, mainly in the South East of London, Surrey and Kent.

Its architect, Eric Lyons, designed over 2,000 homes, where he put into practice his vision about communities. His developments are famous for introducing lavishing communal gardens with mature trees and common areas where residents can meet and interact.

Lyons's Span architectural brilliance was about spanning the bridge between the indoor and the outdoor space, thanks to the extensive glazing to the front and the rear of each apartment, creating very spacious and light interiors. His apartments are fine examples of modernist design, with features such as open plan interiors and large windows. Externally they tend to be mono-pitch roofs and its characteristic use of hung tiles or weatherboarding.

Blackheath is an area where many of these developments can be seen: The Priory (1956), The Hall (1956), Spangate (1964), The Plantation (1962) and Hallgate (1958); all fine examples of Lyons's work and vision.

Lyons's work did not go unnoticed; he was appointed President of the RIBA in the 1970. Nowadays, most of his buildings have achieved listed status.

Working in such an iconic property is a task that cannot be taken lightly. We understand the importance of respect for its character and the need to maintain its main design features: openness and light. It is paramount that the property preserves its modernist look and feel; however, it is fundamental that it also delivers modern comfort in terms of quality of living and functionality.

The success of our task will be a balancing act between old and new, architecture and interior design, indoor and outdoor space....but in any case, we are really excited about this project and up for this task!

In the meantime, let's start shaping the concept and indulge ourselves observing some iconic modernist armchairs designed by Eric Lyons and/or his contemporaries.