Publication
Building Southwark: Architecture and Regeneration in a London Borough
Posted on 28 May 2025
Over the past 20 years, we have made a strong contribution to the growth and development of Southwark, which is home to many of our projects, both built and forthcoming. Arguably, some of the work we are best known for, such as Marklake Court – 27 council homes on the Kipling Estate in Bermondsey, which we designed in partnership with residents to help tackle overcrowding and improve living conditions.
Our cofounders, Tim Bell and Hari Phillips, first set up shop on Rushworth Street 20 years ago. Bell Phillips’ roots are in Southwark, and our practice’s journey is intertwined with this latest chapter of the Borough’s story, as told by Kenneth Powell in ‘Building Southwark: Architecture and Regeneration in a London Borough’.
Four of our completed buildings are featured in Powell’s book, which explores the architectural renaissance of the Borough since the new millennium through a selection of inspirational projects. Southwark Park Pavilion, The Tree House, Burgess Park Sports Pavilion, and Albion Street Housing are all included.
Albion Street Housing in Rotherhithe is due to complete this summer and will provide 26 much-needed, quality, new homes, alongside a new public square and retail space. It is one of several public housing developments we have delivered in partnership with Southwark Council.
Southwark Park Pavilion is in a prominent park location overlooking the boating lake and contains a café, offices, and WCs. The tripartite design has generous openings to allow expansive views in three directions towards the lake, the ‘Oval’ green space, and the playground.
The Tree House is a new timber pavilion at the heart of the £2.3 billion regeneration led by Lendlease in Elephant and Castle. The pavilion is centred on an existing London Plane tree and has quickly established itself as a new local hub, hosting numerous activities as well as being a great place to watch the world go by under the shade of the leafy canopy.
Burgess Park Sports Pavilion serves as a landmark building within the park and is also due to open very soon. The clubroom overlooks the pitches, providing a welcoming social space for players and spectators alike. Robust, natural materials were chosen to minimise maintenance requirements and create a flexible and durable building that can be enjoyed for many years to come.
