In the heart of Marylebone, London, one can find a remarkable residential development that seamlessly blends modernity with the rich historical context of its surroundings. Cosway Street, an ambitious project by Westminster City Council, stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of contemporary design and traditional aesthetics. This blog post delves into the details of this groundbreaking development, exploring its architectural inspiration, construction techniques, and the careful selection of materials.
Cosway Street, comprising 49 contemporary homes set around a communal garden, is a striking landmark building that draws inspiration from the area’s Georgian terraces and Victorian mansion blocks. This fusion of architectural styles pays homage to Marylebone’s rich heritage while offering residents a taste of modern living.
The project’s design, led by Bell Phillips and realized by Osborne and David Miller Architects, aimed to create a building that appeared as if it had been elegantly carved from brick. This vision was brought to life through a combination of cutting-edge construction techniques and meticulous attention to detail.
From the selection of materials to the precise proportions and the gentle curves of scalloped panels, every element of Cosway Street’s architecture was carefully considered to seamlessly integrate the development into its historic surroundings. The choice of bricks was crucial in achieving this objective.
The project architects faced the challenge of finding bricks that would harmonize with the existing buildings’ pigmentation, encompassing tones of reds, yellows, and greys. Sundas Rohilla, project architect at David Miller Architects, emphasized the importance of selecting the right bricks to meet the planning design intent. Vandersanden’s Cayenne, Woodland Mixture, and Lima bricks were chosen for their ability to complement the concrete sills, copings, window colors, and balcony railings.
One of the standout features of Cosway Street’s construction process was the incorporation of Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) brick panels for the main facades, combined with traditional hand-laid brickwork for the inset balconies. This innovative approach allowed the construction team to build quickly and efficiently in a controlled manufacturing environment, significantly reducing energy consumption and waste generation.
With 285 precast panels manufactured by Decomo in Belgium, totaling 3,500 square meters of finished facades, precision was paramount. Off-site construction played a pivotal role in achieving the project’s complex design, ensuring that precise tolerances were met and the quality of the brickwork remained seamless.
Cosway Street’s architectural excellence goes beyond just the choice of materials. The building’s mass is cleverly reduced not only through the use of different blocks of brick colors but also by the gradation of mortar colors across the facade. This meticulous attention to detail adds depth and dimension to the structure, further enhancing its visual appeal.
Collaborative Success
The success of Cosway Street’s architectural marvel can be attributed to the close collaboration between the design team, Vandersanden, and Decomo. The bricks used by Decomo precisely matched those used on-site by the bricklayers, ensuring a harmonious blend of colors and textures throughout the development. This collaborative effort was essential in bringing the project’s vision to life.
In conclusion, Cosway Street in Marylebone, London, stands as a shining example of architectural innovation that respects and celebrates its historical context. From its choice of materials to its innovative construction techniques, this landmark building encapsulates the essence of modern living while paying homage to the past. With meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to quality, Cosway Street is a testament to what can be achieved when architectural vision and craftsmanship come together.
from an article in RIBA Journal
CLICK HERE TO READ NOVEMBER’S ISSUE
.
Gary Fleisher, the Modcoach, author
