A single apartment block along Childers Street in Deptford was designed to provide 83 apartments arranged over six floors, organised around a central atrium that forms the heart of the building. The scheme was delivered using a reinforced concrete frame with Metsec steel infill, a robust structural solution that allowed for efficiency in construction while supporting the open, light‑filled character of the internal spaces.
The site carried a strong industrial history, with the original building constructed in the 1920s as a ship’s propeller foundry. To maintain a tangible link with this heritage, the front façade of the existing structure was carefully retained and incorporated into the new design. The retained brickwork ties the building back into the street scene, while the newly added upper floors were sensitively detailed to ensure the massing and materials blended with the original elevation. This balance of old and new gave the development a distinct identity while respecting the character of the surrounding context.
Delivering this design presented several technical challenges. Retaining the front façade required the erection of a temporary steel support frame and precise detailing of junctions between new and existing brickwork. Internally, the central atrium created a complex fire strategy that demanded careful negotiation. We worked closely with both NHBC Building Control and the local planning authority to reach a solution that met stringent safety requirements without compromising design intent, while also keeping costs under control for the client.. This project was delivered by our director under the Avebury brand.