AJ Retrofit Judges Praise “Amazing” Alva Coachworks with Highly Commended Award
Yesterday the pioneering photographic studios and event space Ackroyd Lowrie designed at Alva Coachworks, Islington was recognised as Highly Commended in the prestigious AJ Retrofit Awards.
Held annually by the Architect’s Journal, the AJ Retrofit Awards recognise the best examples of renewal and repurposing of existing buildings and were presented in a digital ceremony last night (24 February 2021).
Rewarding Alva Coachworks as Highly Commended in the Workplace under 2,000m² category, the judges praised the scheme for its “wow factor” studio spaces, calling the transformation of the former Victorian tram repair depot “a technical tour de force”.
Comprising three photographic studios each with dedicated hair and make-up space and private lounge, Alva Coachworks also features a restaurant, coffee bar, separate dining areas and roof terrace. Whilst each studio can be used individually, Ackroyd Lowrie’s flexible design incorporates a series of moving panel walls to create a combined space capable of holding larger photographic shoots or private events for up to 800 guests.
“Our brief was to create studios of a luxurious, boutique quality whilst also celebrating the existing elegance of the building,” explains director, Jon Ackroyd. “Our approach was to retain as much of the fabric as possible whilst also reconfiguring the layout and integrating new energy efficient measures to both reduce consumption and ensure suitability for modern use.
“The existing steelwork structure was repaired, the sawtooth roof was thermally upgraded and high performance glazing was installed so that the textured brickwork could be left exposed. Each studio is able to control its own heating, lighting and ventilation. The external appearance has been upgraded with carefully inserted interventions such as high-quality doors, a picture window, small zinc roof extension and new lighting.
“We consider the resulting design an imaginative and harmonious blend of old and new, and are delighted the AJ Retrofit judges have shared this opinion by rewarding Alva Coachworks as Highly Commended,” concluded Jon.
