London-based architecture studio Stanton Williams has completed The Oren, a distinctive retirement complex in Hampstead featuring a striking faceted brick design that overlooks the historic Hampstead Heath. The innovative residential development consists of 46 luxury apartments housed within four interconnected volumes, each carefully positioned to frame panoramic views of both communal gardens and the surrounding woodland landscape.
The architectural concept centers around what the firm describes as four distinct but connected pavilions that respond directly to the natural landscape. "The Oren was developed as four distinct but connected 'pavilions' that respond directly to the landscape, allowing the building to both emerge from the gardens and appear nestled among them," explained Alan Stanton, co-founder of Stanton Williams. The studio collaborated with renowned landscape architect Christopher Bradley-Hole to create thoughtfully designed communal gardens and facilities that foster a strong sense of community among residents.
The building's most striking feature is its geometric facade, which is finished in pale handmade bricks complemented by horizontal precast-concrete layers that clearly define each floor level. Bronze-toned metal windows and balconies add warmth to the exterior palette. The design creates a deliberate contrast between the solid brick massing of the ground floor and the lightweight appearance of the upper floors, which feature large expanses of glazing and long wraparound terraces that seem to float above the landscape.
Each of the 46 two- and three-bedroom apartments has been strategically oriented to maximize natural daylight while framing different aspects of the surrounding landscape. The residential units are grouped in intimate clusters of no more than three apartments per floor, and every apartment features its own private balcony or terrace along with floor-to-ceiling windows. This careful planning ensures both privacy for residents and optimal views of the heath and gardens.
Stanton Williams placed particular emphasis on creating a balanced blend of individual and communal living spaces to encourage interaction among residents. The ground floor serves as the social heart of the complex, housing extensive communal facilities including a cinema, lounge, restaurant, and dining room, as well as a swimming pool and fully equipped gym. "The ground floor is key to providing a vibrant community space where residents can interact, relax and socialize," Stanton noted.
The interior design maintains the same commitment to natural materials found in the exterior, featuring a sophisticated palette of European oak, travertine, marble, and bronze elements. "These materials have been chosen to provide a natural, warm palette that will stand the test of time," Stanton explained. A sunken rear courtyard was specifically designed to maximize natural light penetration while minimizing unwanted solar gain, contributing to the building's energy efficiency.
The project incorporates numerous sustainable features, including rooftop solar panels, high levels of insulation, green roofs, water attenuation tanks, and bird boxes thoughtfully integrated into the brickwork. These environmental considerations reflect the studio's commitment to responsible design practices and long-term sustainability.
Stanton Williams, the Stirling Prize-winning architecture firm founded by Alan Stanton and Paul Williams in 1985, has built a reputation for thoughtful institutional and residential projects. Recent notable works by the studio include the refurbishment and extension of a Grade II-listed building at the University of Oxford and a concrete academic building designed for University College London. The Oren represents another significant addition to their portfolio of sensitive architectural interventions in historic London contexts.
