An unusual mixed-use building was the challenging project for Sainsbury's Supermarkets Limited and South Thames College in Tooting, London.

Designed by Aukett Europe, the complex and highly specified building project incorporates many creative design features to accommodate the needs of both its users, who each have very different requirements, one being a busy supermarket, the other a significant educational facility.

The challenge in the design was to create a multi-purpose building that would fulfil both users' requests but at the same time serve a large number of visitors, as well as fit into the neighbouring urban surroundings and contribute to the town centre's regeneration scheme.

Colour and form have been used to signal entrances and distinguish the building's different functions, and these are further emphasised with the use of innovative materials, canopies, glazing and roofscape.