Suffolk House

DSDHA worked with Derwent London to produce this intriguing affordable housing scheme – the conversion and extension of Suffolk House in the Bloomsbury Conservation Area.

The extension sits lightly on the existing building to crown a building that appeared somewhat incomplete and contributed little to Whitfield Place, creating a new “skyline” inspired by the adjacent butterfly roofs. This roofscape is carved to create terraces which both overlook the public space and allow unexpected views of the sky from below. The proportions, scale, and materiality of the new element are carefully controlled to create a counterpoint to the existing building.

The 'Fitzrovia Study' for Suffolk House was exhibited at the 2013 Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, and the project achieved EcoHomes “Excellent” standard for the incorporation of solar thermal panels, brown roofs, and rainwater harvesting.