![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F12%2FMitreYard_Make-1.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=118&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=7812f2aa1ead0dc348a31af0cb4d7e56 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F12%2FMitreYard_Make-1.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=236&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=c7ad1a01ebc09f852706543be98a9b06 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F12%2FMitreYard_Make-1.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=432&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=d836faa452eeb25fcc915d78eb066c5d 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F12%2FMitreYard_Make-1.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=576&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=70fd8cddee8caa1030674b4e263f3533 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F12%2FMitreYard_Make-1.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=788&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=b59c4a9e8caac8734e242e29dea17925 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F12%2FMitreYard_Make-1.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=900&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=f9b67cb7ea8658c5fec841e98bd8a115 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F12%2FMitreYard_Make-1.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1080&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=18337b4a0f8b5452ba5cd6df023865ea 1920w)
The proposal is an example of one that works with a site’s various constraints and sows the seed for a brighter future. 20 Ropemaker Street, meanwhile, has an established commercial context. This required a coherent form that could manage a difficult transition from 30 down to 10 storeys in one site, and meant we had to resolve restrictions from local and strategic views across London from all directions, all the while composing a more balanced skyline profile in existing views. After much analysis, we developed a refined stone facade that responds to views from three adjacent conservation areas, with a material palette that will complement the surrounding buildings. Again, extensive consideration of the site’s constraints paved the way for opportunities.
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F12%2FRopemakerStreet_Make-1.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=258&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=04ec37810b129be35d3e06f8da333cde 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F12%2FRopemakerStreet_Make-1.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=516&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=bb34df6dfca7e93e075b097f724f0afa 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F12%2FRopemakerStreet_Make-1.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=944&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=8b2a2984d79d29da0423a61018c310c2 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F12%2FRopemakerStreet_Make-1.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1259&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=99980b850289a89a49dc62bf4085d161 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F12%2FRopemakerStreet_Make-1.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1721&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=0cc689ac0b27063940e8bfa4940e7b8a 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F12%2FRopemakerStreet_Make-1.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1967&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=6297d61bf10d1004584811daa5706ebe 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F12%2FRopemakerStreet_Make-1.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=2360&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=b063327f94f37b981fe0453e3bb0eab7 1920w)
People and environment
Buildings have the necessary function of serving the people who use and interact with them. Architecture affects those people, not just now but in the future – directly, as people live and work in and around them, and indirectly, as buildings affect the environment that sustains us all. It’s our responsibility to understand people’s day-to-day and broader environmental needs, as well as the influence our buildings can have on these. At Mitre Yard we’ve developed residential apartments specifically for the rental market. The flexible layouts are suitable for families as well as groups of friends, and the building as a whole seeks to promote interaction between residents, with open walkways that will increase visibility and a number of communal outdoor areas that will encourage neighbours to gather. The development will be a sustainable place where people can come together to enjoy the natural environment.
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F01%2FMitreYard-Make-1.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=178&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=edf6dd15b0c96edb4506425bab0ac4b9 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F01%2FMitreYard-Make-1.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=356&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=6a76cf293d16b7f28624874b9021a33c 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F01%2FMitreYard-Make-1.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=651&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=47a8f30edbb3cd25f56abcaebad65bfd 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F01%2FMitreYard-Make-1.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=867&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=02df47a60ad2ca9c59adbab3c7f8f23f 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F01%2FMitreYard-Make-1.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1186&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=6488b6cbc1054f24825cf5951b5b5359 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F01%2FMitreYard-Make-1.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1355&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=061ac5831e0edb898ad8c47d2af4cc3c 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F01%2FMitreYard-Make-1.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1626&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=2bef94ecea14b51be348f32e004617a5 1920w)
At 20 Ropemaker Street, we’ve taken a similar approach by designing balconies on every floor, plus five roof terraces, all with excellent views – beautiful open-air spaces for employees to gather. As with Mitre Yard, the architecture combines a high degree of solidity (to minimise energy loss) with generous, carefully placed windows that maximise views and natural daylight, providing a high-quality internal environment with a low carbon footprint.
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F12%2FRopemakerStreet_Make-4.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=350&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=4acaa419dea613057a320a89a1421b6c 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F12%2FRopemakerStreet_Make-4.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=699&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=8b3fe18d862c4332e7fcc9a10db6768d 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F12%2FRopemakerStreet_Make-4.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1279&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=75fecd151f123cb0d3e7e0f74aafd617 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F12%2FRopemakerStreet_Make-4.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1705&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=bdc1aab9bc52286d27b58cda37b4db8b 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F12%2FRopemakerStreet_Make-4.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=2331&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=9671515e62f0bbf4553306b03951c687 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F12%2FRopemakerStreet_Make-4.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=2664&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=6e6d7c1e6ce79fbe8212e91a96829979 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F12%2FRopemakerStreet_Make-4.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=3196&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=fb9e3d15209c0f51670edc84f7c7b1c0 1920w)
Client and investment
Understanding the client’s constraints and motives is crucial to the success of each project – this is how we ensure our designs are tailored to our clients’ aspirations and deliver the optimal solution for everyone involved.
For Mitre Yard, grasping the economics behind a build-to rent business was essential to responding effectively to challenges posed by the planning officers and stakeholders, including the instruction to offer public benefits without compromising viability. In a build-to-rent scheme, lifestyle and community offer additional value over apartments alone. By providing communal lounges and terraces for residents and designing the artist workshops around a public yard, we developed an attractive ‘lifestyle product’ that allows the public to engage with the scheme and residents to develop a deep connection with their home – a key driver in ensuring the apartments are let swiftly and fully.
The success of 20 Ropemaker Street will likewise be influenced by how quickly the space is let. Meeting the client’s specific aims meant designing a building with the flexibility to attract different types of business, both now and well into the future. An important component of our design is the oversized communal lobby, which we’re imagining as a ‘market square’ inside the building. It combines a café, a co-working area and event space, and functions as a semi-public place that supports community and knowledge-sharing – an attractive prospect in today’s market.
Ambition and legacy
Both Mitre Yard and 20 Ropemaker Street are ambitious schemes, and our solutions for them go far beyond a standard formulaic response. Our bespoke designs look to the future – to a world that embraces the sharing economy and places a growing emphasis on wellbeing, both at home and the workplace. In doing so, they secure a significant commercial and creative legacy for our clients, and will result in sustainable, appealing environments for the users of these new places.
It’s a tricky balance to strike, looking forward while also reflecting on the context of the site, addressing users’ and broader environmental needs, and meeting clients’ objectives. But doing so, alongside all the other considerations within the Make Charter, creates valuable assets for the next generation – thoughtful, lasting architecture that we can all be proud of.
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