Commercial portfolio
Commercial Photography this section features selected images from York 2025 architecture awards showcase. The buildings I’ve chosen to highlight are personal favourites, not necessarily the winners, selected for their thoughtful design and unique stories.
Rowan House, Strensall
I was particularly drawn to Rowan House because of the way it was designed around a mature apple tree in the garden. The architects preserved the tree by gently cranking the rear façade of the house to protect its roots, allowing the tree to remain a central sculptural presence. The home’s design thoughtfully blends into its conservation area surroundings while achieving exceptional sustainability credentials. With its carefully detailed brickwork, low-carbon materials, and an EPC A-rating, Rowan House is both quietly innovative and deeply respectful of its context.
Library & Pavilion Buildings, Cocoa Works
This project captivated me with its harmonious blend of heritage and modernity. The extension thoughtfully mirrors the elegance of Victorian glasshouses, seamlessly integrating with the Grade II listed Rowntree Library. It revitalizes the historic structure, creating inviting spaces that honor the past while serving contemporary community needs.
The broader Cocoa Works development extends this narrative. Set within the former Rowntree factory, it offers a range of studio to three-bedroom apartments, including penthouses with panoramic views of York. These residences feature high ceilings, expansive windows, and design elements that pay homage to the building's industrial heritage, such as lime-washed oak-effect flooring and Crittall-style screens. Modern amenities like Bosch appliances and concierge services ensure comfort without compromising character.
Together, the Library, Pavilion, and residential spaces exemplify a sensitive restoration that respects history while fostering a vibrant, contemporary community.
The broader Cocoa Works development extends this narrative. Set within the former Rowntree factory, it offers a range of studio to three-bedroom apartments, including penthouses with panoramic views of York. These residences feature high ceilings, expansive windows, and design elements that pay homage to the building's industrial heritage, such as lime-washed oak-effect flooring and Crittall-style screens. Modern amenities like Bosch appliances and concierge services ensure comfort without compromising character.
Together, the Library, Pavilion, and residential spaces exemplify a sensitive restoration that respects history while fostering a vibrant, contemporary community.
Grange
This project impressed me with its sensitive transformation of a derelict outbuilding into a refined, contemporary space. Fining Associates’ design, marked by timber cladding, a green roof, and expansive glazing, respects the historic brick fabric while offering a subtle, modern contrast. The annex connects effortlessly with the garden, offering light-filled interiors and passive shading through careful detailing.
I was also drawn to the story behind the building, designed to support independent living, which adds depth to its purpose. By reusing historic elements and enhancing sustainability, the design balances innovation with heritage. The result is a quiet, elegant structure that elevates its context, rooted in craftsmanship yet forward-looking in spirit
I was also drawn to the story behind the building, designed to support independent living, which adds depth to its purpose. By reusing historic elements and enhancing sustainability, the design balances innovation with heritage. The result is a quiet, elegant structure that elevates its context, rooted in craftsmanship yet forward-looking in spirit
