Project overview
Crowned by a glowing rooftop sign that announces arrival at the ‘DESIGN DISTRICT’, Buildings A4 and B4 form a striking duo within the Greenwich Peninsula’s creative quarter. Designed by David Kohn Architects for developer Knight Dragon, the buildings are part of a wider masterplan of sixteen structures tailored for small creative businesses.
These compact yet expressive studios are conceived as miniature palazzi, their bold identities conveyed through a shared palette of deep red brick, green steel-framed glazing, and shimmering glass blocks. At street level, stout red-brick columns and a brick-lined lobby create a grounded threshold, while above, sculptural details lend a sense of theatricality and craft, perfect for its inhabitants.
Drawing on various architectural influences—from the ornamented guild houses of Venice to roadside vernaculars that celebrate Americana, the design balances classical references with contemporary playfulness.
The project employs Hadley Red Smooth bricks from Blockleys, an extruded wirecut brick with a rich, uniform tone. Its clean finish and deep red hue contribute to the bold visual identity of the base, enhancing the buildings’ expressive façades and reinforcing their role as vibrant beacons within the Design District.
