Sitting on the doorstep to the studio, this scheme is close to our hearts and homes. From the outset, the focus on helping provide high quality social housing for the local community was imperative. The 11 storey residential tower which is 100% affordable and car free, offers 35 light and spacious units situated on New Cross Road, with incredible views out over the London skyline.
The principle of the scheme is to respond to the urban grid of New Cross Road and Kender Street, folding the building into its unique form to open up views, mitigate overlooking and release a new green play space to the rear. The lower podium element anchors the building into the neighbouring three-storey streetscape. It is articulated by rusticated brick banding inspired by locally listed buildings.
Unlocking this site hinged on understanding the impact of a residential tower with existing low rise units on either side. The key design move of creating a low level podium that stitches into the existing streetscape gives the continuation of grain and form, allowing the set back taller block to comfortably sit in its context.