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NEWS: C20 Society has submitted a listing application for Donnybrook Quarter (2002-06) housing in Bow, Tower Hamlets, in response to consented plans that would see most of the original timber-framed doors and windows removed, to be replaced by uPVC. Commissioned by the housing association Circle 33 and designed by Peter Barber Architects (@PpeterPeter), Donnybrook is arguably the most consequential and lauded social housing estate of the early twenty-first century in Britain, with the Society strongly recommending a designation of Grade II*. Today the estate is managed by Clarion Housing, the successor to Circle 33. Peter Barber has described his client as “fearless”, adding: “Donnybrook Quarter was something of a miracle. In a world of mediocre, corporatised, monetised, quick-fix housing, it was the product of genuine idealism.” Ellis Woodman, reviewing the project for BD, proclaimed: “Donnybrook is one of the most innovative housing projects to be undertaken in the UK for decades. It’s not impossible to imagine that in 10 years time, Donnybrook might be remembered as a significant turning point in the culture of British housing provision.” The estate is defined by a carefully refined palette, with white-rendered walls intentionally reminiscent of North African medinas – a typology of complex spatial planning, and low-rise, high-density buildings. Particularly striking are the dozens of projecting oriel timber framed windows, used on every principal façade. The application from Clarion stated that ‘the like-for-like visual match [of the proposed uPVC windows and doors with a Rosewood RAL 817 woodgrain foil finish] ensures minimal aesthetic impact on the street scene’. The Society does not oppose the replacement of failed, failing, or underperforming windows and doors, but objects strongly to their substitution with lower-quality uPVC windows. The use of dark timber also strongly connects Donnybrook to the estates designed under Camden borough architect Sidney Cook in the 1960s and 70s, such as Neave Brown’s Alexandra Road. Completed in 1978, Alexandra Road was designated Grade II* just 15 years later, in 1993. ➡️Read more: c20society.org.uk/news/listi… Images (c) Morley von Sternberg