Month: September 2014

An Architect’s role has developed throughout History. Initially it was simply artisan with no paper on hand, only his vision…Imhotep, What a folly!
Today the architect’s role is very complex, a mix between technical knowledge, inspiration and management, reminding us of the Vitruvian Virtues: utilities, firmitas and venustas.

So, what is the recipe to be a good architect? The hands of Raffaello, Van Gogh even Picasso… The mind of Confucius … and the tenacity of the Roman and Egyptian Builder?

Giorgia Maritan (Hub Architectural Designer)

Hub Architects have gained Planning Approval for a new extension on a Grade II* listed building in RBKC. After careful negotiation the extension has added space to make this elegant period house a spacious and desirable family home in the heart of Kensington.

HUB were asked to assist Octagon Developments in gaining planning permission to develop the entire site at Kingswood Warren and achieved the approval for the scheme following an extensive public enquiry.

Formerly, the research centre for BBC technical development, HUB were asked to design a residential scheme for the main historic listed building. The proposals include 8 luxury apartments and 14 new 4 and 5 bedroom houses set in landscaped grounds.

The original house at the head of the site is Grade 2 listed and has a complex history, a combination of careful historic research and technical coordination creates a series of highly desirable and comfortable homes.

The mansion house won the 2014 Best Change of Use of an Existing Building or Conversion Award at the LABC Awards.

When working to deliver kitchens, Hub know that the true value of a kitchen is not understood until it has been used for many months. A kitchen needs to function on many levels, the heart of a home, it must look and feel good, be easy to circulate and offer good functionality. Working on the design with Cococucine, Hub have specified and Cococucine have installed the highest quality kitchens that will give years of culinary pleasure.

More Information

The launch of the Show House at Wood farm was a stunning event. Hosted exquisitely by Preston Bennett and blessed by the most gorgeous late Summer evening of clear blue skies, the design and construction teams gathered to celebrate the completion of the first of 10 houses. The views of London from this vantage point are breath taking and it is a site that deserved houses of the highest quality. Jaysam developments have certainly risen to the challenge, nothing has been compromised on this project and their own in-house craftsmen have delivered a build and finishes that will meet the highest expectations. As always, it is a real pleasure to work with Jaysam and to share their commitment to great building craft. More pictures will follow of this scheme shortly.

Wood Farm at Preston Bennet

New York Times wrote about the London Design Festival

“APOLOGIES to Milan and Tokyo. Regrets to Stockholm and Paris. Forgive me, Eindhoven, Berlin, Barcelona and, most particularly, New York. But London is the design capital of the world”

Hub’s own locality in Queens Park is now a Design District with Hub to be registered as a destination for 2015. Watch this space for more details and visit Lonsdale Road in 2014 for the first year of QPPD.

Queens Park Design District

The Indian Summer that September has brought this year reminds us how important outdoor lighting can be. Creating welcoming enclaves with well considered spaces helps to lengthen those long Summer evenings. Hub architects with John Cullen lighting

Today Hub ventured out to see what Soho had on offer for London Design Festival and now we really understand why London is so firmly centre stage when it comes to design. The area teemed with Creatives, the bars and showrooms overflowing with the buzz of freshly released ideas, design, fashion and more against a back drop of quirky eateries and narrow streets of media and design houses. The Hub Directors had been invited to the newly-launched Greek Street Gallery. Hosting the latest in Product Design 19 Greek Street’s exhibition gave a well-deserved stage at the heart of the LDF scene to less commercial designers exploring more philosophical questions about our interaction and relationship with craft and objects.

19 Greek Street