Q&A WITH ARCHITECTS SUPERVENE
As we approach the end of 2025, we bring you the next instalment of our 5 years series. Today, we spoke to someone who’s been a part of the island since the very start. Michael Westlake, Director at Supervene – the architects for Sugar House Island – has been instrumental in the community-led design and heritage features on the Island. Read below to hear about the team’s journey to the Island and their work over the last few years…
- When did you begin working with Vastint at Sugar House Island, and what has been Supervene’s involvement?
We have been working on Sugar House Island since the original approval in 2012, so nearly 13 years (as part of ARC-ML and then on Supervene’s formation). Over that time we’ve played many roles. As masterplanner, planners, design architects for MU2, R5, R7 and Matilda’s bridge, we wrote the design brief for the public realm and managed the design development of it, as well as taking on general stewardship of the design and vision of it.
- How did you come to work with the Island / what drew you to working on Sugar House Island?
Alongside Landprop (later to become Vastint UK), ARC-ML developed the masterplan vision, and I began working with ARC-ML shortly after the outline approval, when more detailed design work began.
- What has been the most rewarding part of the work you’ve done with the Island?
Seeing the first few buildings finished with people living there. Knowing that this is the beginnings of a neighbourhood and with each building finished, it gets a little larger. It’s rewarding to work with other fantastic consultants and architects in the delivery of it.
- What are your personal favourite features on the Island?
The diversity and intimacy of the spaces across the project. I hope it will set an example of what can be achieved with care and thought for the regeneration of post-industrial areas.
- What are some interesting facts about the architecture across the Island?
The range of architectural and design practices involved in the design of the project. From the outset of the masterplan we didn’t want one hand on all the buildings, we wanted an eclectic mix tied together with a single vision for the public realm.
- What has your experience been working on the Open House Festival, and what are some other highlights over the last few years?
It’s great being able to take people round at the Open House and tell people about this site that is very personal to us as a practice. The NLA award in 2019 for the masterplan of the site was a huge highlight, as well as finishing residential buildings Botanical Mews and Soapbox and the first residents moving in.
- What are your hopes and vision for the Island over the next five years?
Watching the community grow with each additional building finished.