Noel Moffett (1912-1994) was an Irish born Architect. This section focuses on his work during the late 1960’s to early 70’s in London for the GLC and charitable Trusts. Ashington House in Whitechapel, East London is one of my favourite London buildings. Its an impressive stepped edifice that becomes increasingly chaotic towards the top and looks different from every angle. Originally intended to be a tiered stack of Pentagons the proposal was considered impractical and the design was modified to the one you see today. There are however a few Pentagon shaped houses below Ashington so some of the original theme remains. Moffett took inspiration from The Giants Causeway in Scotland, this is very evident in his selection of sheltered housing around London. Built from pentagon shaped brick and concrete modules these mini high density developments offer great variety in plan and elevation very skilfully fitting into difficult and small sites in a creative and interesting way, often even providing semi private communal garden spaces. Residents I have spoken to really like living in them although personally I’m not entirely convinced that furnishing Pentagon shaped rooms is an easy thing to do, certainly would take a lot more thought and small items of furniture….Moffett worked in partnership with his Wife Alina Zofia Boleslawicz-Moffett from 1956. Ashington House is a must see, its one of the most unique social housing developments in London. Still have a couple more of his London buildings to visit so keep an eye out on my Instagram feed….
Photo above: Ashington House
Ashington House: Collingwood St, Whitechapel, East London. A fascinating and unique block of flats that’s sure to divide opinion. Heavily modelled in expressed exposed concrete frame and brick infill walls. Has the look of having evolved somewhat chaotically rather than designed that way. Almost as if various unapproved planning applications for extensions have been built independently, grafted onto a base structure. It seems to get more chaotic towards the top and appears to be higher than it actually is due to the perspectives. Views from all sides are varied making it very interesting to photograph but at the same time difficult. Looking on line on estate agent sites the flats do look awkwardly laid out and small as a result of the interesting facades. Designed by Noel Moffatt & Associates for the GLC. Planned 1968-71 Constructed 1970-74.
Ashington House
Ashington House
Ashington House
Ashington House
Ashington House
Chalkwell House on the Pitsea Estate, off the Commercial Rd E1. Another example of a trademark complex piece of architecture by Noel Moffett. Chalkwell House is very difficult to photograph, surrounded by trees and the very interesting North end is on the busy Commercial rd (first two images) I still need to get inside and explore. Unfortunately some concrete elements have been painted cream or pale grey, I doubt that was originally the case, although the cream does contrast quite nicely with the brick….By Noel Moffett & Associates for the LCC, designed from 1963, completed in 1966 for the GLC.
Chalkwell House
Chalkwell House
Chalkwell House
Malabar Court: Sheltered Housing on the White City Estate, India Way, Shepherds Bush, London. By Noel Moffett & Associates for the GLC. 1966. Really interesting little block that contrasts with the rest of the Estate. Stacked and stepped polygons, concrete frame with polygon shaped columns and brick infill. Original windows have been replaced with the usual UPVC ones and the concrete has been painted which I don’t think would have been the case originally.
Malabar Court
Malabar Court
Durham Court: in between Fulwell Rd & Sunnyside Rd, Twickenham , South West London. Another little Octagonal brick development not far from Forman Court. Again it’s a highly complex arrangement of 2-3 storey brick pentagons with glazed access stairs. There’s even a cute little hexagonal separate stair towers with mini bridges, a detail not seen in the other projects. This is a seriously complex building in plan and elevation, such clever use on a long narrow site connecting two roads which includes a public footpath. Some Top floor flats even have roof terraces with timber picket balustrades. Again built as Sheltered Housing & designed by Noel Moffett. Likely Early 1970s, can’t find info on this one. Has to be visited to experience the complexity. I’m still not sold on the issues with furnishing pentagon shaped rooms though..
Duram Court
Duram Court
Duram Court
Duram Court
Forman Court: Albert Rd, Twickenham, South West London. Such an interesting mini estate. Three 2 & 3 storey blocks composed of stacked brick Hexagons snake round an intimate communal garden with mature Silver birch trees. A pathway goes right around the outer side of the blocks from which access is given via frosted wired glass clad staircases. Even the bin store is Hexagonal! Usual loss of original windows and most doors. Really has a nice feel to it, impressive complexity and variety of aspects for such a small development. Positioning of the units and windows allows for very little direct overlooking onto your neighbours. Designed by Noel & Alina Moffett, 1974.
Forman Court
Forman Court
Forman Court
Forman Court
Forman Court
Forman Court
Hasting Court: Found yet another Noel Moffett, hexagonal sheltered housing block on Royal Rd, Teddington. This is now the third I have found in the vicinity. Dates from 1970. Less complex and smaller than the other two. Arranged in one predominantly rectangular 3 storey block along the road & with a communal lawn behind. Original white signage in Profil Font..Demographic now changing from original purpose due to right to buy. Chatted with a young lady that was renting a flat thats Been sold off and loved living there which is always nice to hear. Built for The London Borough of Richmond
Hasting Court
Hasting Court
Hasting Court