Beside the rolling Thames
A residential-led, mixed-use regeneration complex by Farrells in the upscale neighbourhood of Chelsea is a milestone for the city of London
Designed by Farrells
Over 25 Years of redevelopment on the Thames
Chelsea Waterfront is a luxurious residential complex situated in the upscale neighbourhood of Chelsea, on the North Bank of the Thames in London.
This redevelopment is a significant milestone for waterfront residential projects, offering an exceptionally rare supply of waterfront residential properties.
The mixed-use project spans a vast 4.58ha site that covers two boroughs of Chelsea Bay.
It comprises over 700 apartments, with nearly 40% designated as affordable housing.
The complex includes two landmark towers of 37 and 25 storeys and mid-to-low-rise apartments on the river’s edge, surrounded by landscaped gardens.
Additionally, the historic Lots Road Power Station will be regenerated into a residence with retail and dining functions.
The redevelopment also provides 600m of waterfront access for the public and enhanced public facilities.
Creating a new urban village for London
The holistic urban approach illustrates how high-quality design and urban planning can make the best of limited industrial land resources.
The master planning principle is to create a new 'village' connecting the Lots Road neighbourhood on one side of Chelsea Creek with the Chelsea Harbour and Imperial Wharf on the other.
The need to open up the site and establish pedestrian links in the surrounding neighbourhoods has fundamentally informed Farrells' proposals and the key driver has been the purpose to enhance integration and permeability and connectivity across the development.
Revitalisation of the century-old power station
The Lots Road Power Station, originally constructed in 1904 as the first steel-framed building in the British Isles, once provided power to London’s underground system for a century and was known as the 'nerve centre of the London Underground'.
The central focus of the redevelopment is the preservation of the prominent historic brick façade, complete with terracotta detailing and imposing brick chimneys, which form an exceptional, individual exterior.
At the ground level, the brickwork between the columns was removed to form a covered arcade.
Various shops and businesses with full-width, full-height glass fronts facing the street will enliven the streetscape and maximise the visual connection towards the waterfront.
Above ground level, the newly glazed three-storey high openings combine with steam-cleaned brickwork and terracotta detailing to present a vibrant, welcoming facade to the community.
The existing engine hall was transformed into a full-height atrium space, crossed by two streets connecting through from Lots Road to the new public open spaces and the river beyond.
Bringing high-quality residential to the formerly industrial land
Located on either side of the creek entrance, the two new residential towers have been conceived within the Thames-side neighbourhood context to form a powerful visual grouping.
The power station and the mouth of the re-generated creek are framed by the uniquely slim towers, containing a mix of apartment types and spectacular penthouses under sloping glass roofs.
The lozenge-shaped plans for the towers are organised along an east-west axis in parallel with the power station, maximising internal views of the riverscape.
The optimum orientation allows all facades a good aspect for light and sunshine, also allowing the residential units to enjoy a panoramic view.
The towers create a pair of dynamic symbols like a dancing couple when seen from different viewpoints. Organic materials have been carved into minimal forms, metals moulded and finished into bespoke pieces, and reflective surfaces used to play with light and emphasise the view.
Diversified mid-to-low-rise apartments with lower density are surrounded by landscaped gardens, creating a peaceful and liveable community for residents of all kinds.
Through a series of planning strategies such as integrating urban networks, enhancing permeability and creating mixed-use villages, Farrells successfully transforms the constrained and fractured site into a vibrant waterfront community.
The award-winning project is also significant in terms of social welfare, economic benefits, and environmental sustainability.
The towers create a pair of dynamic symbols like a dancing couple when seen from different viewpoints. Organic materials have been carved into minimal forms, metals moulded and finished into bespoke pieces, and reflective surfaces used to play with light and emphasise the view.
Diversified mid-to-low-rise apartments with lower density are surrounded by landscaped gardens, creating a peaceful and liveable community for residents of all kinds.
Through a series of planning strategies such as integrating urban networks, enhancing permeability and creating mixed-use villages, Farrells successfully transforms the constrained and fractured site into a vibrant waterfront community.
The award-winning project is also significant in terms of social welfare, economic benefits, and environmental sustainability.
Credit list
Project
Type
Landscape design
Collaborating firm – Powerhouse Concierge and Atrium
Structural and civil engineering
Owner
Location
Architect (master planning, full architectural services, interior design, contract administration and compliance monitoring)
Collaborating firm – Clubhouse, Tower Entrance Lobbies
Powerhouse Interiors, Powerhouse Architect (Detailed Planning & Tender Information)
MEP, Cost, EA
Photography
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