• Article by Online Contributor

Located in the historic Birdcage Walk Conservation Area of Westminster, London, this residential development by DROO features protruding glass windows that curve in and out. 

The project had a peculiar brief: to create an innovative residential development in the midst of Heritage settings. At equal distance from Buckingham Palace and the House of Parliament, the development had to introduce contemporary design in a highly protected conservation area.

In response to this, DROO, working in collaboration with NAME, decided to revisit a recurring theme in English architecture by proposing a contemporary interpretation of the classic bow-window.

This redesign of the window element is characterised by the use of curved glass which extends elegantly from the building whilst enlarging the living space.

“The placing of the bow-window according to each living room permits a semi-external spacial experience,” says Amrita Mahindroo, director and co-founder of DROO.

“The building’s fabric is approached with a similar concept – using existing materials in a contemporary manner, ensuring a clear differentiation between the historical fabric of the city and the contemporary iterations whilst creating a dialogue between the two.”

Photography by Freya Najade