NICK BAKER ARCHITECTS

Eco Functionalism

Location: Camden, London

Year: 2010
Project Status: Unbuilt



Nick Baker Architects have through their body of work over the last 5 years developed the architectural concept of 'ECO FUNCTIONALISM'.

Born from the principles of architectural projects being designed in a carbon responsible way this architectural type describes a process of understanding and innovation with the sustainability of a building set at its core.

By responding positively to the envorinmental context of a building inspiration is drawn to the key features of a building's envelope and form to enable it to develop an identity that expresses its ecological function. That of shelter, protection and ecologically responsible enclosure.

The work of Nick Baker Architects considers the environmental context at each opportunity. The project at Delancey Street in Camden north London has a particular opportunity. Due to the location next to a major railway tunnel the site will never have a neighbour that would shadow its south, south west aspect. being located on a corner site the building form was ablet to pick up on the curve of the surrounding urban footprint. However, instead of following a costly curved elevational form the building facade was split into panels the same width as the neighbouring Georgian Listed terraced units. On these large four storey panels solar thermal panels are mounted vertically and move around the main facade to make optimum use of the renewable solar energy avaiable on site.

The solar thermal panels provide 40% of the hot water needs for the residential units and when combined with a single thermal boiler they provide 20% of all of the building's heating needs.

Significantly the solar thermal panels st a height of 4 stories provide a clear statement of intent as to the sustainable credentials of a London Borough that aspires to provide carbon responsible buildings.