49. South London Housing & The Ortus Building

Claire Bennie showed us around listed housing estates in Herne Hill from the 1930s private rented sector (PRS). Each flat has their own private garden and shared use of the communal gardens. Flats are visually demarcated by the exposed concrete lintels. The development architect also designed cinemas.

Joe Morris showed us around the Ortus. A Georgian inspired pavilion sitting in a meadow garden, this new building sits sensitively within a conservation area of Denmark Hill. The exterior is a simple gridded form which has subtle shifts and blocking that is reflective of the function inside. Internally an open and grand staircase guides the user gradually up the building and indirectly exposes them to surrounding activities happening within the communal space.

The treatment of materials and form is unpatronising to the users of the building – a charitable organisation offering services to mental health patients. Joe spoke passionately about the client’s intention for the building and how the practice strived to make the spaces work foremost to their brief. The collaborative approach of the project team also aided in delivering a building with the utmost quality, on time and within budget.