AZ Urban Studio

Central Parade, Walthamstow - Its always rewarding to see a project we worked on being built. The Central Parade development designed by Gort Scott Architects () includes 22 homes and 160SqM of flexible commercial/community floorspace. Over 50% of the homes are affordable. In addition, the new development allows upgrading to the listed building, a lovely project, so great to see on site.

Full details of our role are available on our website (www.azurbanstudio.co.uk).

Architect: Gort Scott Architects ( )
Images: Gort Scott Architects ( )

We still enjoy working on smaller projects, and Furlong Road is a great example and will be a lovely house when complete.

Eleanor Grierson Architects designed and led the project, envisaging a fundamental reorganisation of the house, appropriate for its sensitive location in a Conservation Area. The work includes the construction of a large rear extension and delicate changes to the front facade.

AZ Urban Studio provided planning support throughout the planning process. But, critically, the architect led the project. This is an excellent example of how, on smaller projects, we can assist a team strategically, leaving more operational aspects to the design team.

Architect: Eleanor Grierson Architects
Image: Eleanor Grierson Architects

A lovely project, in SE1, which sadly wasn't built.

In collaboration with Carl Turner architects, AZ Urban Studio helped secure planning permission to convert a series of semi-derelict arches into an innovative new business space which was to include an extensive co-working area as well as spaces for makers.

Although the space sadly wasn't delivered, it was an interesting to project to be involved in and illustrates how temporary permissions can be used successfully.

It was also our final involvement in this area of Union Street and SE1 after securing multiple permissions.

Architect: Turner Works (.works)
Image: Turner Works (.works)

Working with Platform 5 architects (), AZ Urban Studio helped secure planning permission for the refurbishment and partial change of use of a large commercial building on Mare Street in Hackney.

The development, designed and led by Platform 5 architects increases and improves the existing office space and the introduces of a new restaurant on the ground and basement levels.

As part of the application, AZ Urban Studio prepared a comprehensive planning statement, heritage assessment justifying critical planning issues, including the principle of development, mix and tenure, parking, design and heritage. In addition, we undertook a discrete piece of work concerning town centre uses and prepared a town centre report which included a sequential test and impact assessment to justify a proposed leisure use outside of the designated town centre.

Planning permission was secured under delegated authority and the office element of the development is now completed.

Architect: Platform 5 Architects ()
Image: Platform 5 Architects ()

77 to 83 Weston Street - Many years in the making, and because of that, a fantastic building designed by AHMM architects ( ) and developed by Solidspace Homes ().

The innovative design of the main building by AHMM architects () responds to the sensitive and historic context by proposing a reinterpretation of the traditional warehouse. The development comprises of 525 Sq M of new B1 office accommodation at ground and lower ground with eight large apartments at the upper level. This configuration maximises the development volume while minimising impact to the neighbouring properties and delicate surrounding context.

AZ Urban Studio led the preparation and submission of a full planning application and all subsequent planning negotiations. Planning permission was granted by the London Borough of Southwark in 2014. The building is now complete, fully sold, and has won several national awards.

Developer - Solidspace Homes ()
Architects - AHMM ()
Photographs - Rory Gardiner ()

It was an absolute pleasure to assist Stephen Taylor () with his unit at the London Met yesterday, a fascinating project and a great group.

AZ Urban Studio enjoyed giving a lecture to the fourth-year architecture students on the joys of planning and the process of submitting a planning application!!! The students may have been shocked that there wasn't one image, but hopefully, in a few years time, when they are dealing with difficult planning authorities, it may help a bit.

Victoria Mews: Much of AZ Urban Studio's work involves large projects, but there are some fascinating challenges with smaller single houses...especially those on constrained, corner plots in historic mews, with huge basements!

We assisted in securing planning permission to build a beautiful home in Victoria Mews, designed by Groves Natcheva Architects. The architects have optimised this corner site, with an innovative yet subtle design.

AZ Urban Studio provided planning and heritage support throughout the pre-application and application process. Planning was granted under delegated authority, and construction is in progress.

Architect: Groves Natcheva Architects
Images: Groves Natcheva Architects

Central Parade, Walthamstow - AZ Urban Studio supported the London Borough of Walthamstow to secure planning permission and listed building consent for a mixed-use, mixed-tenure development and works to a listed building. The development, designed by Gort Scott Architects (), includes 22 homes and 160SqM of flexible commercial/community floorspace. Over 50% of the homes are affordable.

AZ Urban Studio acted as agent and prepared and submitted applications for this complex and constrained site to the rear of Central Parade. The planning material illustrated how the proposed development successfully balances the various planning objectives, including optimisation of the site, housing delivery, affordable housing provision and heritage issues.

Gort Scott Architects, led on all design issues have conceived a development, which optimises the development volume while minimising impact to the neighbouring properties. The development creates a new active mews to the rear of the Listed Central Parade, overcoming existing concerns regarding Anti Social Behaviour (ASB).

Architect: Gort Scott Architects ( )
Images: Gort Scott Architects ( )