New homes for Hackney Central: 58 minimalist flats off Mare Street are in the listed grounds of Church of St John-at-Hackney
![](https://static.standard.co.uk/homesandproperty/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2019/06/10/16/Smartmoves12f.jpg?crop=8:5,smart&quality=75&auto=webp&width=1024)
Architect and master of minimalism John Pawson is undertaking the makeover of historic St John-at-Hackney, where the handsome church’s listed grounds are the setting for 58 smart new homes called Hackney Gardens.
Thornsett, a niche developer, has been involved in several such collaborations with ecclesiastical bodies in London.
Rather than reaching for the heavens, this project, comprises low-rise blocks around Prodigal Square, a new public space with an arts-based community centre.
As well as a place of worship, St John’s is a noted music venue, known for star-studded gigs by the likes of Coldplay and Ed Sheeran. A new passageway to Mare Street, Hackney’s main drag, is also being created.
Living in Hackney: the lowdown
![](https://static.standard.co.uk/homesandproperty/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/09/19/10/hackneystreet3daniellynch.jpg?crop=8:5,smart&quality=75&auto=webp&width=960)
Though not designed by Pawson, the churchyard apartments chime with his famously restrained approach, having white walls, sleek handle-less kitchens, full-height glazing and generous-size outside space.
Prices start from £575,000. More info.