63 Compton | Doone Silver Architects

Located in the heart of Clerkenwell between the Hat & Feathers and Clerkenwell Green conservation areas, 63 Compton is a new four-storey apartment building replacing a disused electrical substation.

63 Compton was conceived by and built for Nord Development, and designed by Doone Silver Architects. With four generously proportioned two-bed lateral apartments varying in size from 95sqm to 120sqm, Nord wanted to bring high quality seven-day living to the heart of Clerkenwell. Planners were initially resistant, wanting instead to see two small flats per floor. Nord resisted the pressure to build minimum sized units, and the end result delivers a far more attractive and spacious offer than the typical four-day City bolthole.

Due to the sensitive nature of the site, the team were keen for the building to respect and enhance the surrounding urban realm. Essential to this approach is the use of brick to reflect the character of the location while offering a strong and contemporary presence within the streetscape. A blue-red variegated Janinhoff glazed brick was selected to respond to both the surrounding red brick Victorian and more recent buildings in Clerkenwell. Its deep colouring and glazed finish provides richness to the three exposed elevations, while its colours constantly change with the light and weather. Thanks to exceptional craftsmanship, the sharp edges and deep recessed mortar joints of the brickwork emphasise the building’s contemporary design.

The primary elevation on Compton Street is aligned with the parapet of the adjacent listed building. Tall windows with deep reveals continue the rhythm established by older buildings along the street while offering a more contemporary order and texture. A large glass corner element defines the end of the block and illuminates an internal staircase. A side elevation facing onto a narrow passageway is kept simple, while to the rear windows and doors are expressed as crisp, deep punched openings in the brickwork. Some of these are concealed by south-facing Donald Judd-inspired steel balconies that slide across the building.

Internally the materials palette includes solid oak floors, Calacatta Oro marble and two tones of warm grey paint to walls and joinery. Exposed concrete ceilings, with their inherent heat absorbing properties, continue the chic industrial aesthetic while offering additional functionality.

Inside, a clever floor plan makes the most of all available space. An arrangement of one apartment per floor allows for lift access directly into each unit rather than into a shared corridor. Each apartment then opens out into a light and airy 39ft reception/kitchen/dining space: an arrangement that gets around building control strictures covering the kitchen position, thanks to cleverly-positioned and discreet automist spray plates. Dual aspect and full height glazing emphasise the feeling of light and space. Well-sized en suite bedrooms and bathrooms lead from here, and each apartment has a generous private terrace. The ground floor apartment features a sunken kitchen and snug, with the main living area set back sufficiently from the ground floor windows to avoid overlooking from street level.

A show apartment has been carefully planned around style, design and comfort – offering a further contrast with and more liveable alternative to the sterile industrial spaces typically associated with new city centre developments. Texture and colour are combined, while an element of luxury is suggested with Miele appliances and Knoll, Vitra Prouvé and Missoni home furnishings. Recognising the individuality of the development, the interior of the show apartment was supplemented by original artwork, bespoke furnishings and interesting, quirky pieces aimed at injecting humour and appeal into the overall dressing and avoiding the creation of a ‘furniture showroom’ look.

63 Compton is an architecturally confident and socially responsible development. By introducing genuine city living alongside existing social and private housing, 63 Compton looks to contribute to the vitality, social mix and local economy of the neighbourhood. Meanwhile its confident and contemporary architectural design will enhance the streetscape of this quiet but evolving corner of Clerkenwell.