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The Foundry

Balance of control and informality

Credit: Rory Gardiner

Architecture 00 for the Ethical Property Company/ Social Justice & Human Rights Centre

Construction cost: £5.18m.

GIA: 5010m2

Building of the Year, supported by BLP Insurance

What began as the refurb of a former shoe polish factory became much more thanks to the ambition of the architect and its relationship with the client. 

  • Credit: Rory Gardiner
  • Credit: Rory Gardiner
  • Credit: Rory Gardiner
  • Credit: Rory Gardiner
  • Credit: Rory Gardiner
  • Credit: Rory Gardiner
  • Credit: Rory Gardiner
  • Credit: Rory Gardiner
  • Credit: Rory Gardiner
  • Credit: Rory Gardiner
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The old factory is stripped back and encased in a new concrete framed building with a large central light well. The ground floor entrance and central stair is generous but with enough intimacy for private meetings. The interior achieves a balance of control and informality, friendly and comfortable but also purposeful. A sawtooth zinc upper pavilion mirrors the former factory roof and provides a highly visible new identity for the centre. 

At £1100/m2 and with a BREEAM excellent  rating this project is extraordinary value for money, without any loss in quality.


See other winners in the RIBA Regional Awards 2015 – London

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