Designed as a ‘place for living and a space for learning’, the 14-storey Music Box is a mixed-use development incorporating a campus for the London College of Contemporary Media (LCCM) and 55 residential units, including on-site affordable housing.
Located near to Southwark underground station, the college occupies the basement up to the fourth floor, and above are the residential units with a mix of tenures, developed by Taylor Wimpey Central London. A landscaped public realm and ground-floor café complete the 10,000 square-metre project.
The concept behind the Music Box design was partially informed by Golden Section proportional systems and the rhythm and format of musical compositions.
Working to such a close brief, SPPARC turned to Ibstock for guidance on what products to specify.
The use of Ibstock brick reflects the robust character of the surrounding area while its white colour imbues the building with its own distinct sense of identity. The sustainable use of masonry, respectful urban design and strong architectural details are key principles that have informed the project’s delivery and help integrate it with the London Borough of Southwark’s defined cultural corridor.
The three-dimensional projecting brickwork pattern, which required special bricks glazed on all visible surfaces, reads like a sheet of musical notes across the page, providing relief, rhythm and interest. The glazed brick façade is returned with special bricks at the head and sill into a random pattern of long and slender deep recessed windows to reinforce the robust nature and horizontal emphasis of the base.
