Hampstead Architecture Through the Eyes of an Architect

Hampstead is an architectural tapestry of historical significance and modern creativity, where stories of the past harmoniously blend with innovative designs of the present. This unique borough has stood as a testament to the confluence of time, talent, and innovation. From the verdant embrace of Hampstead Heath to the avant-garde appeal of modern structures, Hampstead offers an unforgettable journey through time.

1. The Essence of Hampstead: More Than Just Buildings

As an architect, I’ve learned that space and the environment play a pivotal role in the architectural narrative. Hampstead Heath, though not directly linked to architecture, embodies the heart of this region. A verdant oasis amidst urban sprawl, this park lures countless residents, many of whom are fortunate to have their homes overlooking this beautiful landscape.

2. Hi-tech Amidst History: Hopkins House

In the quiet, meandering lanes of Hampstead, where centuries-old structures tell tales of a bygone era, lies a modern marvel that is the Hopkins House. While many architectural gems in Hampstead boast of their vintage lineage, the Hopkins House offers a stark contrast with its avant-garde aesthetic.

Designed and built by Michael Hopkins for himself in the waning years of the 1970s, this edifice is an exemplar of hi-tech architecture. With its meticulous assembly of glass and steel, it encapsulates a design philosophy that was revolutionary for its time. What makes it even more remarkable is its ability to be both bold and discreet. While its materials and design principles set it apart from the traditional residences surrounding it, its placement ensures it doesn’t dominate the landscape but rather complements it.

The choice of materials was not just an architectural statement but also a nod to sustainability and modern living. The use of glass provides an abundance of natural light, creating internal spaces that are both functional and in harmony with the environment. Steel, being both resilient and malleable, offers structural integrity while allowing for design flexibility.

Now, after nearly half a century, the Hopkins House hasn’t lost its charm or contemporary appeal. It serves as a testament to timeless design, standing resolutely futuristic amidst the classical architecture of Hampstead. This juxtaposition serves as a daily reminder of the borough’s evolving architectural narrative, representing a seamless blend of the past, present, and future. In many ways, the Hopkins House is more than just a building; it’s a symbol of architectural evolution, proving that with vision and innovation, structures can both challenge and respect the fabric of their surroundings.

3. Brutalism’s Beacon: 78 South Hill Park

In the architecturally rich borough of Hampstead, where structures often echo tales of historical splendour and conservative design principles, there rises an edifice that dares to be different: 78 South Hill Park. This structure, with its imposing and raw appeal, is an emblematic representation of Brutalist architecture, standing in stark contrast to its more traditional neighbours.

Designed by the visionary Brian Housen during the transformative 1960s, the story behind 78 South Hill Park is as captivating as its design. Housen, who initially set out to create a residence near Hampstead Heath, found himself ensnared in a web of self-doubt and second-guessing. His initial designs felt too tethered to the prevailing architectural trends of Hampstead, lacking the boldness he aspired to manifest. It was from this crucible of creative turmoil that 78 South Hill Park was birthed.

Acting on an impulse to challenge architectural conventions, Housen discarded his original blueprints and began anew. The resultant design was unapologetically Brutalist – characterized by raw concrete, angular forms, and an overall minimalist aesthetic. Unlike the ornate and decorative designs that many associated with luxury and sophistication, 78 South Hill Park celebrated beauty in simplicity, rawness, and functionality.

The building, with its exposed concrete and unadorned surfaces, may initially come across as austere or even stark. However, for those who appreciate the Brutalist ethos, it is a masterclass in honest expression, where materials are showcased in their purest form, free from pretence.

Today, this architectural marvel stands not just as a residence but as a testament to the power of innovation and the courage to break away from the mould. Amidst the more traditional facades of North London, 78 South Hill Park shines as an enduring symbol of architectural audacity, reminding us that true artistry often emerges when we dare to challenge the norms and embrace our creative instincts.

4. A Georgian Gem: Fenton House

Perched atop a hill, Fenton House is a relic from the 17th century. This Georgian masterpiece, now under the National Trust, isn’t just an architectural marvel, but its gardens offer a tranquil retreat, making it an integral part of Hampstead’s historic tapestry.

5. A Nautical Narrative: Admiral’s House

Admiral’s House is more than just a building—it’s a story. Purchased by a retired admiral in 1775, the house became an embodiment of his naval achievements, even reportedly firing cannons to celebrate naval victories. Its influence extends to literature as well, inspiring P.L. Travers’ Admiral Boom in “Mary Poppins.”

6. Bauhaus Brilliance: Isokon Building

Hampstead’s landscape, brimming with architectural gems, has a standout monument that encapsulates modernist ideology: The Isokon Building. With its streamlined facade and functional design, this building is a paragon of the Bauhaus movement that prioritized functionality without compromising on aesthetics.

Constructed in the 1930s, the Isokon Building was far ahead of its time. The Bauhaus design principles it espoused emanated from a German art school that sought to marry arts and crafts with the intricacies of architectural design. This approach was predicated on the idea that every element, from the largest structural component to the smallest design detail, should be both functional and beautiful. The Isokon Building, with its minimalistic and sleek design, epitomizes this concept, presenting a harmonious blend of form and function.

Yet, as impressive as its design ethos is, the real allure of the Isokon Building lies in the tapestry of stories woven within its walls. Over the decades, it has been a magnet for creative luminaries. Among its most notable residents was the legendary crime novelist, Agatha Christie. Within the confines of this modernist masterpiece, Christie is believed to have conjured some of her most enigmatic tales, drawing perhaps from the building’s mysterious ambience.

But the intrigue doesn’t end there. In a twist befitting one of Christie’s novels, the Isokon Building was also once home to members of the Cambridge Spy Ring. This group, consisting of Cambridge-educated individuals, notoriously spied for the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Their presence imbued the building with an aura of secrecy and subterfuge, adding a layer of complexity to its already rich history.

Today, the Isokon Building stands not merely as an architectural marvel but as a repository of tales – some known, others whispered in hushed tones. It serves as a reminder of a period when design revolutions were taking shape and when the lines between art, intrigue, and history were beautifully, and sometimes mysteriously, blurred. In Hampstead’s vast architectural panorama, the Isokon Building is both a beacon of design excellence and a crucible of captivating chronicles.

7. A Dream Realized: Hampstead Garden Suburb

In the 1900s, a dream was born for a prototype garden city in North London. The outcome, Hampstead Garden Suburb, stands as a testimony to architectural ingenuity, featuring a surreal central square with two Lutyens churches facing each other in contrasting styles.

8. Poetic Spaces: Keats House

Tucked away amidst the bustling streets of Hampstead, Keats House stands as a serene sanctuary, embodying not just brick and mortar but the very soul of one of history’s most celebrated poets, John Keats. This Grade I listed building, with its elegant façade and historical significance, serves as a lasting tribute to a luminary whose words have touched generations.

Walking through the pathways leading to the house, one is immediately transported to an era where words flowed like a river and where poetry was the very essence of existence. Keats House, with its quaint charm and understated elegance, is a reflection of the poet himself—subtle, profound, and timeless.

The significance of this residence is amplified by the knowledge that it was within these walls that Keats penned some of his most iconic works. The air seems thick with inspiration, and every corner seems to whisper tales of a poet deeply engrossed in his craft. It was here that the surroundings, the tranquillity, and perhaps the musings of his own heart converged to inspire “Ode to a Nightingale,” a masterpiece that has resonated through the corridors of time.

The poem, with its vivid imagery and profound emotions, encapsulates the beauty and transience of life. As one walks through the rooms of Keats House, it’s easy to imagine the poet gazing out of a window, lost in thought, as the mellifluous notes of a nightingale’s song permeated the silence, leading to the creation of this timeless ode.

Today, the house stands not just as a testament to Keats’s literary genius but also as a beacon for lovers of literature and history. Every room, every artefact, every preserved letter offers insights into the life of a man who, despite his brief time on this Earth, left an indelible mark on the world of poetry.

Visitors to Keats House are not just witnessing a historical structure; they are stepping into a realm where art and life are beautifully intertwined, where every brick seems soaked in poetic verses, and where the echoes of a nightingale’s song still linger, reminding us of a poet’s undying love for the beauty around him.

In the heart of Hampstead, Keats House stands as a proud monument, not just to a poet, but to the enduring power of words, the magic of creativity, and the timeless allure of nature’s simplest melodies.

9. Modernism’s Mark: Goldfinger House

In the world of architecture, where designs and trends ebb and flow, some structures leave an indelible mark, transcending time and critiques. Goldfinger House (2 Willow Road), a brainchild of the illustrious architect Erno Goldfinger, is one such enduring edifice. Nestled in the heart of Hampstead, this masterpiece is a testament to Goldfinger’s avant-garde approach and his unwavering commitment to Modernist ideals.

Erno Goldfinger, a name synonymous with groundbreaking architectural concepts, ventured into uncharted territories with the Goldfinger House. Through its geometric lines, vast expanses of glass, and unadorned facades, the building exemplifies Modernist tenets—where form follows function and unnecessary ornamentation is eschewed in favour of clean, minimalist aesthetics.

However, its acquisition by the National Trust in the 1990s was met with fervent debates and polarized opinions. The very act of incorporating a Modernist building into the portfolio of an institution known for preserving historically significant sites was audacious. For purists, the inclusion of such a contemporary design amidst classical architecture seemed almost sacrilegious. They questioned its place within the hallowed echelons of the National Trust’s treasures.

Yet, this contention also underscored the building’s importance. The Goldfinger House was not merely a structure of brick and mortar; it was a manifestation of a radical thought process, challenging conventions and pushing the boundaries of what was deemed ‘acceptable’ in architectural design. Its presence in the National Trust’s collection was a nod to its cultural and architectural significance, affirming the importance of evolving architectural narratives.

Over the years, while the initial uproar has subsided, the Goldfinger House has cemented its position as an integral part of Hampstead’s architectural tapestry. Its striking silhouette stands in harmonious contrast to the more traditional structures surrounding it, offering residents and visitors alike a visual treat and a glimpse into the innovative spirit of its creator.

In a borough renowned for its architectural diversity, the Goldfinger House serves as a reminder that true genius often lies in challenging the status quo and embracing the future without forsaking the past. In doing so, it continues to inspire, educate, and captivate all who have the privilege to experience its modernist charm.

10. RISE Design Studio: A Commitment to Sustainable Innovation

Our studio, firmly rooted in North London, is dedicated to the fusion of contemporary design with sustainable principles. Our projects, while conceptually advanced, are deeply respectful of their architectural contexts.

Final Thoughts: Hampstead, with its diverse architectural tapestry, serves as a constant muse. Its blend of the old and the new stands as a reminder that creativity knows no boundaries. Whether you’re a lover of architecture or a curious soul, this borough offers a journey that transcends time. I hope this guide offers a deeper appreciation of the spaces that have shaped Hampstead’s narrative.

If you would like to talk through your project with the team, please do get in touch at mail@risedesignstudio.co.uk or give us a call at 020 8150 2128

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