Old Peckham Library Housing

Old Peckham Library is a new mixed use social housing scheme commissioned by LB Southwark, providing six residential units, a Women’s outreach centre, and a community café for local charity Pecan.

Designed in collaboration with Architecture Doing Place (ADoP), the 250m² building sits within the diverse community of Peckham, on the infill site of the single-story Old Peckham Library. The site looks across Peckham Hill Street, addressing the Stirling Prize winning new Peckham Library, and is highly constrained by issues of overlooking, privacy, daylight and security.

We approached the design process with a commitment to working closely with and listening to local voices, resulting in a building that contributes meaningfully to the architectural and social context of Peckham. Gradually shifting layers of red toned brick respond to the surrounding Oliver Goldsmith Estate, and at ground floor level, a perforated facade welcomes visitors into the community café. The Women’s centre is located away from the street, providing a private and peaceful series of spaces that look out onto the pocket garden.