Henley Halebrown

We're looking forward to hosting Dialogues 23 with Je Ahn of Studio Weave on 'Happy Accident' on Thursday 7 November. Email us at studio@hhbr.co.uk for more details on attending. Je is the Founding Director of Studio Weave. For the past 18 years, Studio Weave has been on a journey of becoming an architectural practice, which Je describes as a happy accident. Beginning with an installation for a biennale in London during a year out, the practice has completed nearly 200 projects, some as small as a fanciful collection of bottled human tears for monsters to fully bona fide buildings and landscapes more recently. During the talk, Je will share the story of Studio Weave’s evolution – the strangeness of unwittingly becoming an architectural studio. The talk will also be live streamed on Henley Halebrown's YouTube channel at https://lnkd.in/etNRh6iu.

Simon Henley will discuss 'Association and Attunement' in a lecture at the Kent School of Architecture, Design and Planning (University of Kent) on Tuesday 22 October at 6pm in the Marlowe Building on the University's Canterbury campus. The talk for the Kent Architecture and Design Students' Association (KADSA) will explore how architecture reveals its impact in unfamiliar environments and extreme climates. It looks at how architectural choices in apertures, permeability, and shelter can enrich our experience and understanding of association and attunement in architecture.

Retrofit⁠ has been central to our work for three decades.⁠ ⁠ ⁠ We adopt craft-based, but nonetheless low-tech building techniques, that indicate how elementary the construction of an office or workplace might be, ensuring that historic buildings remain robust and endure for another century. Our designs exploit the latency of buildings and the rational application of heterogeneity.⁠ ⁠ A pioneer of adaptive reuse for a creative client, Talkback accommodated 250 people, a TV studio, editing facilities and rehearsal space. It took its cue from a collegiate research environment. Every office has direct access to a central cloistered garden which is the focus for circulation and the life of the organisation.⁠ ⁠ In 2017, the building was sold and converted to the Mandrake Hotel, retaining the majority of the original architectural design. ⁠ ⁠ Many of the approaches pioneered on Talkback have become almost mandatory user requirements for office buildings of a similar age (or newer) that we are currently upgrading. Now in its third iteration – from warehouse to workspace to hospitality – Talkback underlines how a robust, well-designed loose fit building can continually be utilised as a fabric resource without resorting to demolition.⁠ ⁠ It won the 2023 Architecture Today Award for best Workplace as a building that has stood the test of time: ⁠ ⁠ "This is a project that has adapted, chameleon-like, to changes in use; most recently from production studios to boutique hotel. More astonishing still, each of these incarnations appears to have been carried off with effortless aplomb."⁠ — Architecture Today Awards jury, 2023 ⁠ #Retrofit

We are seeking talented & experienced — Project Architects — Architects — Part II Architectural Assistants Full details can be found on https://lnkd.in/ehWR33Su We are keen that our practice reflects the diversity of communities we design for, and welcome and encourage applications from under-represented groups. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. If you would like to work in a challenging creative environment, please submit your CV and selected samples of work to HR@hhbr.co.uk. Please include your level of qualification in the subject bar. We look forward to hearing from you.

Retrofit⁠ has been central to our work for three decades.⁠ ⁠ ⁠ In each project, we do not strive for novelty but instead continuity. Working with existing, often listed, structures we have developed a respect for historic building types and construction. This translates into the way we plan, make and detail our buildings.⁠ ⁠ St Monica’s Hoxton is a Grade II listed ex-London Board School, designed by the Gothic Revival architect E. W. Pugin, which has been conserved and extended to house a restaurant and training facilities, offices, a gym and two apartments.⁠ ⁠ "...a creative re-use, based on an architecture that recognises restorative intervention as a discrete and important discipline“ ⁠— Rosamund Diamond, Architecture Today, 2005⁠ #Retrofit

Last week, we hosted the latest W Programme Speed Mentoring event - a collaboration between W Practice Partners, early career professionals and students, with mentors and mentees being matched up for a morning of learning and career development. Our Art Director Claudia Schenk provided a fascinating insight into the world of graphic design. We're proud supporters of the W Programme, organised by the Architects’ Journal and The Architectural Review, as one of just 11 W Practice Partners. At Henley Halebrown, we believe that we have a duty to support opportunities for this and the next generation of practitioners as this invigorates both our practice and the wider profession. The W Programme promotes equality and diversity in architectural practice through a series of networking and social events, mentoring sessions, survey workshops, inspiring lectures and thought-provoking panel discussions to encourage best practice and inspire change as a united voice. #WProgramme

Retrofit⁠ has been central to our work for three decades.⁠ ⁠ We recognise that existing buildings all have a voice and, that their conservation and reuse can strengthen that voice. Each design takes account of its respective historic setting, combining careful restoration with new construction. The design and materials are always informed by what could enhance the existing fabric, which remains large intact. ⁠ ⁠ This year sees Shepherdess Walk celebrate its milestone 25th birthday. ⁠ ⁠ The scheme for the Manhattan Loft Corporation adapted a late C19th/early C20th century industrial building to create 50 loft apartments and ground floor commercial space.⁠ ⁠ "The sensitive conversion of a Victorian factory in east London into residential shells has provided the opportunity for [an] elegant architectural essay."⁠ The Architectural Review, 2001⁠ #Retrofit

Last week we welcomed Tim Abrahams to the studio for Dialogues 22 on 'The Media We Deserve'. Thanks to Tim and everyone who came along for such an insightful, stimulating and positive evening! Watch this space for details of Dialogues 23 coming soon.

Such an inspiring day at #LREF2024! We're feeling very positive about London's potential over the year ahead.

We not only need to build more social homes, but also we need architects to be at the centre of the solution.