Greenspace creates experimental hexagonal type for housing developer

Greenspace has designed a bespoke typeface for a new housing development, which has been created with an unusual hexagonal-shaped letterpress printing technique.

It forms part of the identity of Anthology Hoxton Press, a new housing development, named by Greenspace and designed by Karakusevic Carson and David Chipperfield Architects for developer Anthology.

Anthology Hoxton Press is so named as the development is situated on the site of a former printmakers run by the Mullford Brothers, who were prolific in the 1860s.

The new development features two towers named Mono and Duo – as a printing reference – which are together known as Anthology Hoxton Press.

Hexagonal towers – hexagonal type

Both towers have a distinctive hexagonal form, which is the basis for Greenspace’s AHP Six typeface design.

Printing blocks were handmade from maple wood by Thomas Mayo & Co and have been laser cut to make an entire typeface, which Greenspace designed with New North Press.

As the letters come together in a honeycomb shape they all fit onto a press bed although they are not a standard rectangular shape.

The resulting typeface will be used in Anthology Hoxton Press’ communications and marketing.

Greenspace creative director Lee Deverill says: “We have worked on a few type design projects in the past but always within a digital context. What’s interesting about this task is thinking about the print process before the letterforms themselves.

“To work within the parameters of what’s possible in letterpress and the need to develop a grid system that can be both locked together but also flexible and scalable has been a great challenge.”

There will be 198 new homes within the development, with sale proceeds partly-funding new social housing. The structure will host a café at ground level.

Interior design

Greenspace has also worked on the interior design of a separate building, where the flats are sold. The hexagonal theme is repeated inside where bespoke artwork has been made and hung.

This building is situated in a school playground and will be donated to the school after all of the flats are sold.

The wooden printing blocks will be used by New North Press in their work and New North Press partner Graham Bignell says: “There is so much to explore with these woodblocks. It feels to us like a great continuation of taking type onwards for relief printers and letterpress printers in general.”

Greenspace has been working with Anthology since 2013 and has already created the master brand for the developer.