BLOCK H1, EAST STREET
Crafting sociable spaces in Hendon Waterside
H1 is part of Makower Architects’ second phase on Hendon Waterside, a major regeneration project in north-west London. Located to the south of the site, this seven-storey building, containing 47 homes, stitches the new development into its context. Its playful side facades and angled geometries establish a positive relationship to the neighbouring buildings along the Broadway. While its L-shape plan establishes a strong corner along East Street and forms space for a communal courtyard at the back with opportunities for community building.
CREATING A SENSE OF COMMUNITY
The residents’ journey is curated to enhance the sense of home, with dedicated porches for each duplex providing direct access from the street while also improving the street life.
The base of the building is more solid, with carved openings and robust porches. The homes on the upper levels are accessed via generous external galleries in the form of double-height spaces or stacked arcades, offering privacy to the community while creating informal gathering spaces.
All flats have at least two aspects, with windows that open directly onto the external gallery, increasing the chances to meet fellow residents and thereby strengthening the sense of community within the building.
A lattice frame blurs the threshold between interior and exterior