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Sands End Arts & Community Centre


Inspired by the 19th century nursery and glasshouses of pre-eminent horticulturalist James Veitch, the design revels in the association of an eclectic mix of plants. It was here that Veitch introduced and pioneered the propagation of his collection, celebrated in Hortus Veitchii, a fascinating historical account of Victorian plant collecting.


The landscape proposals evolved alongside the architectural form to create interlocking space. The design concept emerged from early discussions about the language of vernacular garden buildings and glasshouses, a blend of inside and outside. Drawing from the heritage narrative of the landscape, a collection of Veitch’s signature exotic plant varieties informs the planting palette evoking a sense of the character of the Victorian historic garden through a sequence of courtyards that connect the street to the park. The centre provides valuable flexible community space alongside a café and a charity dance studio with a park view.



PROJECT INFO

Client Hammersmith and Fulham Council 
Location Fulham, London
Date 2017-2021
Area 0.17ha
Trees planted 6
Awards 
2022 Shortlist - RIBA Stirling Prize 
2022 Winner - RIBA National Award
2022 Winner - RIBA London Award
2022 Winner - RIBA London Building of the Year Award
2021 Winner - AJ Architecture Awards
2021 Winner - The Community and Faith Prize - AJ Architecture Awards 
2021 Shortlist - AJ Retrofit Awards 
2021 Regional Finalist - Civic Trust Awards
2018 Winner - Culture & Community, unbuilt category - New London Awards


CREDITS

Landscape Architect J&L Gibbons
Architect Mae
Structural and Civil Engineer Elliot Wood 
M&E Engineer Max Fordham  
Quantity Surveyor Baillie Knowles Partnership
Soil Scientist Tim O’Hare Associates
Landscape Management Land Management Services
Arboricultural Consultant CBA Trees
Ecologist The Ecology Consultancy
Photography © J&L Gibbons | Mae | Michael Dillon