40-48 Fashion Street

London

Meritcape

2011

Rather than restoring the façade of this old market building off Brick Lane, we opted to preserve it, while also adding a corten-wrapped new-build at the rear. This way we have allowed both buildings to reflect their own time.

The intricately detailed frontage of the Grade II-listed Moorish Market on Fashion Street was one of the few parts of the structure left intact after a major fire destroyed the entire rear section. It dominated the southern side of the street, and we wanted to preserve its special character without trying to replace what had already been lost.

We added a new-build element, detached from the older building with an internal street. Here, old and new are clearly visible, the space bridged to connect the upper levels and with lift cores that are separated out from the main structure.

The Grade-II listed Moorish Market building sheltered street traders at the start of the twentieth century for just four years before it was closed down.
Dezeen

NLA Awards Winner, 2011
BD Architect of the Year Awards Shortlisted, 2011
RIBA Awards Shortlisted, 2011

Photography: Hufton + Crow

© BUCKLEY GRAY YEOMAN