Project Description
FROM THE ARCHITECTS:
The London and Liverpool based architecture practice shedkm has submitted a planning application with residential developer HUB for a 29-story residential tower as part of a landmark mixed use development in Abbey Wood, in the London Borough of Greenwich. shedkm is well–known for its regeneration of post-industrial buildings in the north and Midlands, and Abbey Wood will be its first tower in London.
The project is a joint venture between HUB, which develops aspirational and innovative homes in well-connected parts of London for the mid-market sector and Bridges Ventures, a specialist sustainable and social impact investor. The 26,000 sq m residential, hotel and commercial development is planned close to the Abbey Wood Crossrail station, which is due to open in 2018. Prompted by the prospect of Crossrail, Abbey Wood is already undergoing considerable change. The scheme aims to create a set piece of new buildings that raise the benchmark for high quality development in Abbey Wood. It will provide a strong visual marker for the area as well as delivering 208 new homes for Londoners. With some distinctive cross bracing at the front of the site, shedkm’s design consists of two residential towers of 29 stories and 10 stories including a 90-bed hotel. Associated private and public realm will include new south facing landscaping to connect the development to the station approach as well as podium and rooftop amenities. The new apartments are designed to provide high quality living spaces with an emphasis on sustainability, through the use of dual aspect units that maximize natural light and cross ventilation. shedkm reduced or eliminated corridors throughout to create open and bright homes with 2.6m floor to ceiling heights and exposed concrete soffits.
Alex Flint, Director at shedkm said: “Abbey Place is focused around people. Living spaces have been designed from the inside-out, maximizing usable area through the elimination of corridors and efficient space planning. The development aims to provide a new standard of residential accommodation in the outer London boroughs, whilst generating a dynamic set piece of buildings and creating a landmark for the wider area.”
Steve Sanham, Director of HUB Group said: “Collaborating with shedkm on Abbey Wood will bring well-designed sustainable homes, in a soon to be key Crossrail hub. We hope that this investment and vote of confidence will help Abbey Wood re-establish itself as a viable location for hardworking professionals to put down roots.“ Pending planning approval, the aim is to start on site in Summer 2017. The project follows on from shedkm’s other major London scheme, the £47million Ruskin Square office development completing this November next to East Croydon station.