Corringham

From an architectural historian's perspective, perhaps the most fascinating fact about this Grade II listed block of flats is that it was designed by Kenneth Frampton. Frampton went on to become a preeminent critic and author on modern architecture after settling in the United States in 1966. The eight storey block contains six flats per floor above a basement car park and stores. Structurally, the in-situ reinforced concrete box frame affords the exterior a simplicity that belies the complexity of the organisation of the interior. Drawing on ideas developed in the Housing Division of the Architect’s Department of the London County Council (LCC), Frampton deployed a modular approach to the apartments which were staggered in section using half-landings that accommodated access and bathrooms and enabled dual aspects for every unit. As such, the living spaces all face the street and the bedrooms all face the sheltered garden to the rear with usefully inset balconies that add relief to the elevation. Natural cross ventilation is also enabled by this approach to the layout. Frampton is said to acknowledges ‘a strong debt to Lyons Israel Ellis, and to James Stirling, especially in the massing of the service tower and entrance’ [1]. Douglas Stephen and Partners amassed a considerable body of work in private sector housing and were able to attract talented young architects to the practice as a result. Centre Heights in Swiss Cottage has a similar aesthetic to this scheme though none of the same spatial innovation.

[1] https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1031567?section=official-listing