Location: Muswell Hill, Haringey, Barnet, London
Contractor / Client: Gilbert Ash / Jamm Living
Photography Client: Taylor Maxwell
Architect: pH+ Architects (Puncher Hamilton Plus)
Photographed in late 2017, Muswell Hill by pH+ Architects is a mixed-use, luxury development located in the affluent North London suburb of the same name. The scheme comprises 22 new apartments, 6 houses, commercial space and a community centre.
The development is located at the apex of one of London's highest hills - a fact that I can attest to after unwittingly driving past the site, which recedes from view of the main road, and subsequently having to ascend its acute gradient on foot, with camera gear mounted to my back like a season mountaineer. Arriving, I was greeted by a beautiful golden autumn light which bathed the architecture in a resplendent glow, accenting the multi-coloured brickwork and already golden facade panels that surround the glazing.
The scheme was delivered by London developers Jamm Living, whose vision along with that of the architects was to create a contemporary interpretation of traditional Edwardian Housing. The residential element, which has been split into three distinct sections, follows the steeply stepping contours of the land. The distinctly modern, yet restrained facade, has been broken down into alternating sequences of brick, stone, metal and glazing.
Muswell Hill is a wonderful development, one which I would have unlikely encountered had I not been commissioned to photograph it for the client Taylor Maxwell. For the residents its concealed setting is likely a desirable feature, but for architecture enthusiasts it means it will potentially go quietly unobserved. Hopefully these photos, more of which can be found in my portfolio, will give some exposure to this well considered scheme.