The Lord Napier, London (UK)

“This was an Ind Coope Brewery pub, present at Hackney Wick by 1874. By the 1980s it was badged as a Taylor Walker pub. It became a free house by 1991 and closed in 1995. It has lain empty ever since – prime opportunity for an architectural renovation.” ~ Stephen Harris

THE LORD NAPIER | Rooftop extension set within Hackney Wick’s urban fabric, part of an architectural renovation blending heritage with modern design.

Introduction

Conversation: As an abandoned pub in Hackney Wick, the Lord Napier has a long history of being a community-driven venue, and the site is currently undergoing an architectural renovation in order to update and modernise it. The studio was brought onto the exciting project to accomplish in-depth facade development studies to unlock the architecture and lively past life of the pub.

This concept scheme has been designed to create a roofs cape gem in the heart of Hackney Wick. Timid at street level, a rooftop hotspot above Lord Napier for the public, to enjoy the atmosphere all year around.

THROUGH THE YEARS | Collage of archival photographs tracing the Lord Napier pub’s evolution over time.

ARCHITECTURAL PATINA | Close-up of façade brickwork with peeling paint revealing the colourful past of the Lord Napier pub.

Approach

We have pieced together its history and developed the facades to bring it back to its former glory. A lantern-like environment was created from the design, allowing for an open and airy atmosphere.

We have pieced together its history and developed the facades to bring it back to its former glory. The pavilion roof structure allowing a lantern-like environment was created from the design, allowing for an open and airy atmosphere.