Highgate Library

If there’s one thing we’ve learned makes better buildings, it’s empathy. Architecture never happens in isolation—and simply by being interested and engaged, we’ve found it’s possible to open up the conversations that connect a scheme to its clients and community.

We believe that the more constraints there are, the better the architecture. If there aren’t any constraints, we create them. Challenging sites, existing buildings and complex briefs almost always present incredible opportunities for great design.

To limit our environmental impact, we start with what is already there. By manipulating the form and fabric of a building—whether new or existing—we can work with the existing conditions of topography, light and orientation, and harness the natural energy sources offered by air, ground and water.

If a site’s constraints guide the bigger design decisions, then it’s empathy that informs the smaller, social details. These details frame the human narratives that aren’t included in the brief, anticipating specific moments in the users’ lives.

Good architecture is as much about what happens on the building site as it is about what’s on the drawing board. By working alongside contractors as well as clients we can ring-fence the ideas and details that matter, championing quality and sustainability throughout construction.

Highgate Library

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Work

Highgate Library
Locally Listed
Haringey, London

Client

London Borough of Haringey

Highgate Library is a locally listed Arts and Crafts library in the London Borough of Haringey. Built in 1902, the building possesses strong Edwardian features in keeping with the vernacular of Crouch End.

We proposed refurbishments and alterations to improve the layouts and facilities to better meet 21st century library operations, the needs of the local community, staff facilities and improve access for all. We developed options for materials, colours and finishes to provide a distinctive library environment suited to the building’s historic value. We are looking at simple ways to improve the services offered to residents through the design of these spaces, future proofing them for future generations.