Glasshouse renovation

Studio HASA Architects has completed the renovation of a derelict horticultural glasshouse in London, using plywood to create a distinction between old and new.

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HASA Architects has completed works to transform a derelict horticultural glasshouse at Highgate Bowl in North London into a new event space. The project, inspired by the frame and construction of the original building, explores the possibilities of this forgotten piece of the city by bringing it back into use through a series of small-scale interventions. These sensitive interventions take the form of new external and internal pathways, as well as rooms and furniture pieces that guide visitors through the large open bays of the glasshouse while framing views of the surrounding landscape and Bowl beyond.

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Img.1 HASA Architect, Glasshouse renovation, London, 2017

Img.2 HASA Architect, Glasshouse renovation, London, 2017

Img.3 HASA Architect, Glasshouse renovation, London, 2017

Img.4 HASA Architect, Glasshouse renovation, London, 2017

Img.5 HASA Architect, Glasshouse renovation, London, 2017

HASA Architect, Glasshouse renovation, model

site plan

HASA Architect, Glasshouse renovation, site plan

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HASA Architect, Glasshouse renovation, axonometric view

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HASA Architect, Glasshouse renovation, section

The plywood skin creates a folded landscape that is inspired by the original structure’s frame and panel construction. The new pathways, rooms and furniture pieces are designed in a modular configuration to negotiate the change in levels between each bay and provide separation between visitors and the fragile glass outer skin. Birch plywood, finished in a white Osmo oil, is used to form the new platform and joinery components. The original sliding doors are replaced with new plywood doors with oversized handles that mimic the structural fins that form the sides to the platform. The use of one material throughout creates continuity and reinforces the connection between each bay while the light tone of the plywood finish offers a subtle contrast against the glasshouse and the landscape. To provide contrast, the application of a dark finish is applied to the existing structure creating a distinction between old and new.