MICA's 'white lion house' makes a statement within urban fabric of inner-city london

MICA architects has designed a mixed-use building in one of london‘s most challenging sites on the corner of st. giles high street and denmark street. ‘white lion house’ marks the first completed phase of a larger redevelopment project of the historic grade II listed centre point complex. after meticulous research, the scheme by the architect proposed the demolition of the existing pub on the site, to create a new 10 storey, pre-cast concrete infill block, including residential units ranging from one bedroom apartments to four bed family homes.

all images courtesy of MICA architects

considering the significant history of the area, the project by MICA placed an importance on incorporating old into new, while still creating a contemporary design. the building’s façades are therefore designed to make sense of the site’s historic geometries. the concrete façade, built in solid precast units, refers to the graphic appearance of the adjacent centre point complex, embossed with a chevron pattern from studying the existing tower elevation.

the textured finish of the exterior, developed with pattern designers eley kishimoto, takes cues from centre point tower’s remarkable structural concrete façade

to maximize the provision of housing and affordable housing, ‘white lion house’ is designed in a highly efficient single-core arrangement. apartment units are raised above pedestrian level and the ground floor comprises a retail unit with a three-storey entrance. above this, residential balconies with double height living spaces form a series of bays recalling the interlocking planning of the centre point residences and provide duplex apartments with separate outdoor space. overall, the project by MICA provides beautiful urban homes in a contextually-inspired residential block in the heart of inner-city london.

the form of the building is produced by the historic street layout

white lion house within london’s urban fabric

the concrete façade which blankets the building

generous amounts of glazing throughout provide each apartment with vibrant light-filled living spaces

view from white lion house apartment to centre point tower

white lion house as seen from street level

pre-cast concrete balconies provide privacy to bedrooms

apartments at lower levels are raised above the busy urban environment

the residential units are connected by a communal steel staircase with views to the west over soho and beyond

the site prior to works in 2012

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom