DROO covers residential unit's protruding volumes in textured brickwork in london

DROO forms a series of loggias and balconies for ‘Dalston Lane’

Dalston Lane, a project by DROO, transforms a corner site at Dalston Lane and Cecilia Road in Hackney into a multi-functional space comprising nine residential units and a youth club. Originally home to London Youth Charity St Mathias Boys Club, the site faced challenges due to cost and maintenance, prompting its redevelopment into rent-controlled housing. The new design offsets volumes to address scale transitions, incorporating a brick-laid facade and loggias for internalized balconies that harmonize with surrounding alignments.

all images courtesy of DROO

‘Dalston Lane’ unveils a layered brick-built construction

The result is a layered construction featuring a gymnasium, community youth club, commercial spaces, and affordable housing. The textured brickwork on each floor plate contributes to a distinct identity, showcasing architectural ingenuity within budget constraints. Through the project of Dalston Lane, the design team at DROO displays a successful negotiation between civic use retention and commercial pressures, ensuring the continuity of a valuable community space.

DROO’s unique residential unit in London

loggias and balconies form a layered construction

the exterior features textured brickwork and glass

internalized balconies harmonize with surrounding alignments

the building accommodates a gym, a youth club, and affordable housing

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ground floor plan

first-floor plan

second-floor plan

third-floor plan

Dalston Lane elevation

rear elevation

project info:

name: Dalston Lane
architect: DROO | @drooprojects

location: Hackney, London, UK

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom