HGG London’s Dicle Guntas extols the virtues of out-of-the ordinary projects, multi-layered meanings and innovative design.
Dicle Guntas photographed by Timothy Soar.
Can you tell us about HGG London?
HGG London is a boutique property company focusing on the areas of London with rich tapestries. Since 2013, we have been focusing on making a positive impact with creative responses and long-lasting solutions to complicated and unique constraints on each site we work on. We love bold design and buildings that make statements. HGG London commissions progressive architects, engineers and consultants to deliver buildings that contribute to London’s cityscape.
What type of work are you undertaking?
Our projects span residential and commercial, but what unites them all is innovative design. For example, The Interlock, our residential-led mixed-use building in Fitzrovia consists of 44 different shaped bricks to create a contemporary brick façade that echoes the proportions and textures of the historic architecture surrounding it. It is a contemporary interpretation of façade design and material that has been prominent in London for centuries. Our Milieu project in Old Street is a commercial building with a CLT-steel hybrid structure, a model for more sustainable construction. Drummond street, our new residential project in Euston, is a deep refurbishment using the existing brick façade as an aggregate material for the new GRC façade. We aim to set a precedent for re-use of brick following circular economy principles.
What are the main challenges or obstacles in delivering the kind of projects you want to do?
I’m interested in projects that are out of the ordinary, and are about breathing new life into old buildings while adding thought-provoking layers. I think this interest encourages a more ambitious brief for design. In the context of an urban setting such as London, most projects are constrained by logistics and size and this can create a challenge in realising such design at the delivery stage in a way that doesn’t compromise quality. It’s very important to be able to react to the unforeseen issues that come up on site in a timely manner, without compromising the original design ethos.
Designed by Bureau de Change Architects, The Interlock in central London echoes the proportions of Fitzrovia’s 19th Century terraces and recasts the brick facade to create a building that is simultaneously historic and contemporary. Photograph by Gilbert McCarragher.
What are you doing to improve the environmental performance of your projects, and what is your attitude to retrofit vs. new build?
Responding to the climate emergency is a critical part of the brief when we form a design team. Retrofit may not always be suitable, but it is our priority and when it is possible and feasible, we go for it – pushing the boundaries of unconventional design.
In our Grade II listed office refurbishment project, The Old Rectory, we made a conscious decision to repair instead of replace for many elements of the building. Another example is the use of reclaimed wood flooring salvaged from another site nearby instead of new flooring which is much more ‘in conversation’ with the Old Rectory than any kind of ready-to-order flooring would be.
On our Drummond street project, we discussed retrofit versus new build with our architects initially. We decided to proceed with the current design – even though it meant a more sophisticated coordination of certain aspects and took significantly longer.
When we deliver a new build like Milieu, Old Street, we are very conscious of environmental impact, and choose materials and methods to simplify the installation on site, and reduce waste and embodied carbon in construction. Having a team with the right priorities is crucial when it comes to implementation. We are guided by the expertise and advice of our designers and consultants.
Whether retrofit or new build, building management plays a key role in reducing carbon footprint. It’s not just about the systems in place, but the mindset of the people implementing the systems. Our in-house property management team gets involved at the formative stage of each project. Sustainable design, longevity and well-being are central to their focus.
HGG London operates out of The Old Rectory, Grade II-listed nineteenth century former residence in the City of London, repurposed by Mary Duggan Architects. Photograph by Lorenzo Zandri.
What is the one thing an architect could say or do that would make you disinclined to work with them?
I am not a huge fan of short cuts and repetitiveness when it comes to design. The design of a building cannot be treated as an off-the-shelf product. I would also add ego. We tell architects in our brief that the building they design should understand and respect its surroundings. If I see a design that does not do that – one that’s out of place and designed with ego rather than a sensitive and considerate approach, I lose interest.
What is the secret to getting an architect to produce their best work?
I do not know if it is a secret, but I think giving creative freedom is very important. I believe the key is mutual trust in any successful team work. And of course, a strong team alongside the architects to support them producing their best work.
The interior of The Old Rectory is characterised as ‘fun minimalism with a domestic twist’. Photograph by Lorenzo Zandri.
Source: Architecture Today