The development revitalised a poor-quality housing block which originally housed 24 flats and suffered from a lack of amenity space, inadequate living areas, and small kitchens and bathrooms. Reconfigured to create generously sized living spaces, the building has been completely insulated to improve energy efficiency and new energy saving fixtures and fittings have been installed to help reduce heating bills for residents.

The dated external envelope has been overclad with an attractive Corium stack bonded brick cladding system which is complemented by deep reveals and window surrounds to provide a distinct and uniform appearance. These elements work together to enhance the building’s architectural profile and define the whole development, giving it a contemporary feel and presenting it in a completely new light.

A 5th storey has been added to Shakespeare House to maximise space, whilst at the same time enhancing the building’s modern appearance. This new top-floor has been sensitively designed with consideration to neighbouring properties and is set-back to prevent overlooking and to avoid right to light issues. Utilising DfMA construction, the 5th storey has been constructed using a lightweight steel frame. In being set-back from the rest of the development, and with a different material treatment, this additional storey adds visual variation and further enhances the building’s unique architectural profile.

A landscaped area and new spacious balconies provide excellent amenity spaces for residents, while additional windows have been installed to improve natural lighting within the homes. Shakespeare House was shortlisted in The Sustainable Housing Awards as well as the Hackney Design Awards.