Architecture firm Bureau de Change has reimagined a 1980s London apartment complex, integrating pink concrete panels crafted from recycled demolition materials. This extensive refurbishment, named Trace, undertaken for developer HGG, involved adding two extra floors, bringing the total to five new residences. The project focused on preserving the original structure while infusing modern, sustainable design elements, offering a compelling blueprint for urban renewal that prioritizes environmental responsibility and aesthetic innovation.
Sustainable Facade: A Fusion of Past and Present
The Trace apartment block in London’s Euston district underwent a significant transformation by Bureau de Change, emphasizing sustainable practices and innovative design. The project's cornerstone is its facade, composed of distinctive pink concrete panels created from recycled demolition debris. This approach not only provides a unique aesthetic but also underscores a commitment to environmental stewardship by repurposing waste materials. The studio meticulously processed old bricks and mortar, crushing them into a fine aggregate to cast the new panels. This method allowed for the preservation of the building's original character while introducing a contemporary and eco-friendly exterior.
Studio co-founder Billy Mavropoulos highlighted the intention behind this material choice: to honor the building's 1980s red brick origins while giving it a fresh identity. The hand-cast concrete panels display a gradient of hues from reddish to pale pink, arranged in a grid pattern. This varied coloration is achieved through different densities of aggregate and color layers within each panel, making every section unique. Complementing the facade are dark-framed, arched windows and a matching top-floor extension, contributing to a cohesive and visually appealing design. The shared entrance also features an arched form and concrete cladding, leading into a central circulation core, blending historical reverence with modern functionality.
Modern Living Spaces: Blending Comfort and Design
Inside the Trace apartment block, Bureau de Change has crafted contemporary living spaces that cater to diverse needs while maintaining a high standard of design and comfort. The renovation introduced a total of five apartments, with three two-bedroom units located on the first, second, and third floors, and two one-bedroom apartments occupying the newly constructed fourth and fifth floors. Each residence is designed to maximize natural light, benefiting from large openings on both the front and rear facades, ensuring bright and airy interiors. The top-floor apartments also feature private terraces, offering residents outdoor space and city views.
The interiors of these apartments are a showcase of bespoke design, featuring contributions from renowned London-based studios such as Jan Hendzel Studio, Sedilia, and A Rum Fellow. These collaborations ensure that each apartment is not only functional but also elegantly furnished with unique pieces that enhance the overall aesthetic. The thoughtful layout and custom design elements create a sophisticated living environment, reflecting a commitment to quality and contemporary style. This integration of local craftsmanship with modern residential design makes Trace a prime example of how urban spaces can be revitalized to offer luxurious, comfortable, and aesthetically rich homes.