*예술가들을 위한 작업실, 아파트 [ DROO ] Paintworks Apartments

단순하지만 랜덤하게 구성된 외관은 수평성이 강조된 구조물과 유리창의 디자인 조합으로 표현된다. 역사적인 (예술가들의)작업실을 은유적으로 표현하는 동시에 투명성이 확보된 유리창으로 도시의 풍경과 건축물 내부를 밀착시키는 어휘를 보여준다.

DROO has completed The Paintworks, a contemporary mixed-use building over 1550m2 in Shoreditch, London.  Set in a conservation area, The Paintworks is a former artists workshop and art supplies store on the corner of Kingsland Road and Falkirk Street.  DROO has converted and added to the existing building to become a contemporary collection of 8 apartments, ranging from 1 – 3 bedrooms, and 2 office spaces. DROO has also designed the interiors, with a focus on natural light and accentuating the space, to create a perfect blank canvas for residents to enjoy city living.

From the outside, a white, custom-textured ‘crumpled paper’ façade envelops the minimalist structure and is a nod to the building’s history as artists workshops. Large framed box bay windows on each of the four floors bring to mind canvases and serve to flood the building with light and frame views out on to the city. The architectural language is articulated, but with modest restraint.

Materially, the façade is made of recycled resin and a concreate compound called Acantha Papyrus. DROO created the particular texture especially for this project, to be an echo of the building’s story.  The material is environmentally sustainable due to the recycled content, and it is also extremely light, resistant to heat, temperature, and weathering.

Ultimately the site was very challenging and tight. It borders on Hackney college on one side, and the Kingsland Road terrace conservation area on the other.  Many sight lines had to be taken into account, as well as ensuring the overall structure fit within the neighbourhood. The sheer quantity of glazing and the very large windows are skilfully incorporated to make sure that the sightlines and privacy of both occupants and neighbours are protected. The team endlessly pushed and pulled floorplates to produce an articulated façade system that respects all of the conservation constraints.

DROO’s design includes an extensive extension to the basement, and into what was the rear carpark on the site. The building is an extension of Victorian industrial warehouse so the geometry of the original building lines extends along with the slabs of the extension, and the bay window line extends to the perimeter of the site. This allows for the solid façade itself to sit back, and thus for the existing building to appear nestled into the far larger extension. The effect is of a sensitive dialogue between the original and new structures, rather than a hard division along the same plane.