newington causeway

Location: Borough, London
Client: Neobrand
Status: Planning consented 2011

Gateway building into Elephant
This residential tower in Central London was conceived as one of the gateway buildings from the north into the regenerated Elephant & Castle area.

Constrained site became the opportunity
Rather than view the small awkward site nestled between a busy railway line and a dual carriageway as a constraint on development, we saw this as an opportunity to create a dramatic building that could contribute significantly to the townscape of this rapidly changing area.

Unique plan form
The building is triangular in plan and consists of three separate vertical volumes that vary in height to better relate visually to the height of the adjacent Metro Central Heights and the surrounding context. The three volumes were designed to be clad in an off-white precast concrete with solid infill panels of a contrasting hue and texture – these high quality materials would then contribute in giving the building elevations a civic quality.

Mix of uses activate the streetscape
In addition to 34 flats and four duplexes on the upper floors, two floors of offices are provided at mezzanine and first floor level. Additionally a small café / kiosk unit is provided at ground level. The building is 67m tall and 22 stories high, resulting in a residential density of approx 5000HR/ha.


Visuals
Glass Canvas

Publications
2010
AJ Online - Panter Hudspith scoops planning for Elephant & Castle tower
 
illustrative site plan
visual - tower forms part of a defined gateway in context
visual - tower massing is fragmented to articulate the skyline
visual - view from nearby context where the tower acts as wayfinding in area
the site was occupied by only a modest-height building and a small parking area
model - triangular plan form provides 100% dual aspect homes
visual - the dramatic appearance results from the small triangular plan