Spencer Courtyard / kennedytwaddle

Spencer Courtyard / kennedytwaddle - Interior Photography, Living Room, Sofa, Windows, BeamSpencer Courtyard / kennedytwaddle - Exterior Photography, Windows, Door, Brick, Facade, CourtyardSpencer Courtyard / kennedytwaddle - Exterior Photography, Brick, Door, Facade, ArchSpencer Courtyard / kennedytwaddle - Exterior Photography, Windows, Brick, FacadeSpencer Courtyard / kennedytwaddle - More Images+ 25

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Spencer Courtyard / kennedytwaddle - Exterior Photography, Windows, Brick, Facade
© Henry Woide

Text description provided by the architects. Spencer Courtyard is a development of five new dwellings created in a tight brownfield site in Finchley. The former disused timber yard presented several difficult problems to overcome before a coherent scheme emerged.

Spencer Courtyard / kennedytwaddle - Exterior Photography, Brick, Door, Facade, Arch
© Henry Woide

A considered approach from initial site investigation and layout, individual house arrangement to the choice of materials demonstrates the high quality of this design. The scale and form are directly influenced by the context with the strong rooflines a response to the local vernacular.

Spencer Courtyard / kennedytwaddle - Exterior Photography, Windows, Brick, Facade, Garden, Courtyard
© Henry Woide
Floor plan
Spencer Courtyard / kennedytwaddle - Exterior Photography, Facade, Courtyard
© Henry Woide

By demonstrating that this type of housebuilding is possible in these unorthodox pockets of land it sends a positive message to all involved in making new homes in the capital. This project reinforces the fact that good, solid design and inspiring teamwork will produce uplifting places and spaces

Spencer Courtyard / kennedytwaddle - Interior Photography, Living Room, Sofa, Windows, Beam
© Henry Woide
Spencer Courtyard / kennedytwaddle - Interior Photography, Chair, Windows, Beam
© Henry Woide

All the people involved and necessary to make this happen have contributed to improving a derelict piece of land for the greater good. Being part of this process makes everyone from local council planners, the developer, design team, neighbours and the inhabitants realise the potential and benefits of a new scheme. The knowledge gained through a consistent approach to improvement can be adapted to projects of all sizes. The compact, robust nature of this project ensures longevity.

Spencer Courtyard / kennedytwaddle - Interior Photography, Windows, Beam, Chair
© Henry Woide

The environmentally striking feature of this project is the extensive use of green roofs. The benefits of this cannot be extolled highly enough. From a baron collection of ramshackle buildings and a hostile concrete concourse, 75% of the site is now covered with greenery. The inclusion on this scale really emphasises the credentials of these new houses. From the flora and fauna, wildlife, control of drainage, and thermal benefits the decision to plant green roofs  - and more unusually on pitched roofs - makes the project.

Spencer Courtyard / kennedytwaddle - Exterior Photography, Windows, Door, Brick, Facade, Courtyard
© Henry Woide

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Project location

Address:Finchley, London, United Kingdom

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "Spencer Courtyard / kennedytwaddle" 30 Jun 2020. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/942523/spencer-courtyard-kennedytwaddle> ISSN 0719-8884

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