C-Link Partner Harris Calnan Scoops RIBA Award!

A sublime project, constructed by builder Harris Calnan for photographer Juergen Teller, has recently been crowned RIBA London’s Building of the Year.

The brief was to utilise over 500m² of space to create a bright, flexible and welcoming set of areas; with a natural flow and sociability in addition to high-quality studio space for the renowned photographer.

Designed expertly by 6a Architects, the project comprises a series of three Pavilions together with garden space. The development is constructed using concrete throughout with cement block walls, poured floors and massive roof beams. Rather than monotony however, the concrete actually serves as a medium for revealing variety – it catches different kinds of light that change with the time of day and season to deliver a really unique experience.

To complement the simplicity of the concrete, the finishes throughout are exquisite and for this Harris Calnan should be applauded. The concrete is softened by seamless brass balustrades and huge, but delicately beaded, timber window frames.

The use of shutter boarded in-situ concrete, polished concrete floors and exposed concrete blockwork all combined to make for a challenging build with exacting quality standards and little room for error.

Construction was further challenged by the site being located in a typically London condition. Constrained by a long and narrow industrial plot, the building is nestled between cheap developer housing and an industrial estate which naturally made logistics and construction activities much more challenging than usual.

The development however is exemplar and the final product is superb. Harris Calnan should be highly commended for their efforts.

C-Link are working alongside Harris Calnan to assist in the delivery of its two latest projects in Tooting and Barnes in South and West London respectively. Head over to C-Link’s Live Projects page to understand more and register your interest to be involved.

About Paul Heming

Paul was a Quantity Surveyor who gained 10 years experience of managing £200 million worth of flagship UK projects, including 20 Fenchurch Street and Battersea Power Station. In 2015, Paul founded C-Link with the intention of sharing his expertise of managing major projects with the SME market.