Commercial · Whitechapel, Tower Hamlets
56-60 Nelson Street
A former nursery on Nelson Street, Whitechapel, converted into a coffee shop with a zoned open plan, glazed frontage and sheltered outdoor seating.
- Location
- Whitechapel, Tower Hamlets
- Type
- Commercial
- Scope
- Hospitality, interior design, flats
- Design
- Green Code Architects
56-60 Nelson Street in Whitechapel is a former nursery being converted into a coffee shop. The design takes its cue from the changing streetscape and the industrial heritage of this part of Tower Hamlets, with the aim of giving the neighbourhood a place to meet.
The interior is an open, flexible plan divided into distinct zones, so that it can serve both quiet, individual use and busier gatherings. A sheltered outdoor dining area extends the shop onto the street, giving customers somewhere to sit outside with some protection from the city around them.
Large glazed frontages make the shop visible and connected to the street, while the layout keeps those inside comfortable and private. Materials are chosen for longevity, with natural textures and biophilic elements linking the interior to the outdoors. Cycle parking encourages customers to arrive by bike.
The architectural detailing is restrained, so the new use adds to the character of Nelson Street without overshadowing its historic elements.