The project is a new coffee-come-cocktail bar in the heart of south-east London’s Deptford. Stockton functions as a coffee shop by day and evolves into a cocktail bar at night. Designed in close collaboration with the client, Stockton is an elegant and flexible space with scope to develop over time – an example of the studio's responsive open-ended approach to making architecture.
The site's original stone flooring which the studio decided to retain inspired a raw and earthy colour palette. Instead of simple painted walls, a rough plasterwork was explored to line the walls; a technique that dates back to stucco applications developed in ancient India and China. The intention was to provide surfaces with a distinct textured quality in plaster that would transform with the changing light, becoming richer as the space darkens which in turn both changes the look and feel of the space.
All the designed elements – including the furniture and shelving – are made from raw welded steel, simple enough that it could be fabricated by local metalworkers, creating an unassuming, elegant aesthetic. The terrazzo bar is complemented by the steel tables topped with white-washed European Plywood. Despite its bespoke furniture and fittings, Stockton is intended to serve as a blank canvas to offer architecture as a backdrop to be populated and activated by visitors who will ultimately give life to the space.
What was the brief?
We were asked to come up with a way to re-imagine the space with the simplest of means. It was clear from the start that we wanted to retain the floor, the earthy coloured stone that had quite a distinct pattern and had been installed by its previous owners. This established a palette from us to work from.
Within the studio we are continually trying to find new ways of using materials in unique ways. We seek processes and finishes that can react to different qualities of light and forms, through ways of providing visual interest within the economy of means available. When a budget is somewhat restricted we try to think of ways of introducing small details and features that will enhance the overall quality of the space. At Stockton we experimented with various plaster techniques, like those applied to walls and surfaces in ancient India and China, not too dissimilar to the stucco used by the Romans. The changing light throughout the day dramatically affects the internal environment and casts a light against the rough plaster walls. Set against this we designed the tables with tall slender trestle-style legs, made from steel and fabricated by local metalworkers. Keen to leave the marks of the workmanship, we left the steel bare which gives it an industrial and at the same time crafted appearance.
As well as the surface treatments, the space is complemented by a long terrazzo bar and the specialist lighting that helps to enhance the experience. The wall lights provide a warm glow while distinct pendants offer direct and more intimate lighting above key areas. A long delicate lighting strip sits above the bar to focus attention and illuminate the seating along it. Across the space we tried to consider how people might interact and use the space, dictated in part by how it would be lit.
