We are delighted to announce that our entry for the Gateway to Clapham competition has been shortlisted!
Project Description
The existing double bridge is reimagined through the addition of a new perforated metal facade creating the illusion of a much grander edifice. A contemporary architectural homage to the rich historical character of Clapham and its surrounding conservation area. The mesh skin transforms the bridge into a more formal presence on the high street, establishing it not only as a piece of functional infrastructure but also as a landmark and a connective threshold.
By day, the new facade will cast an elegant veil over the existing utilitarian iron and brick structures. By night, backlighting will cause the mesh shroud to visually dissolve, revealing and celebrating details of the original historic fabric.
The choice of perforated mesh as a cladding balances aesthetics, performance, and sustainability. Lightweight in appearance yet robust in nature, it can withstand weather and the urban environment with minimal maintenance. The mesh can be manufactured with high recycled content and is fully recyclable at the end of its lifespan, with very little material waste generated during production. Installation is simple, with fixings directly back to a framing structure behind, ensuring minimal intervention.
Functionality is further enhanced by improvements to pedestrian and cycle routes beneath the bridge. A slightly raised and widened pedestrian and cycle lane more clearly separates these pathways from vehicular traffic, significantly improving safety and user comfort. At night, kerb-side lighting reinforces visibility to these areas, providing clarity and a greater sense of security.
Importantly, the porous nature of the mesh ensures natural light and ventilation are never inhibited, allowing the bridge to breathe and remain visually permeable. The proposal therefore works in harmony with its context—uniting the fragmented structures into a singular architectural statement, celebrating heritage while introducing a robust, practical, and sustainable Gateway to Clapham.
We are really excited by the opportunity to develop this scheme further in the next stage of the competition. Keep up to date with developments here