We're restoring a sense of coherence and connection across the town centre, and providing high-density, multi-layered, mixed-use adjacent to a transport hub.
Strategy
With great transport connections to central London, Barking is set to become east London’s new culture and retail hub. In 2016 we were fortunate enough to win two significant commissions in high-profile locations from different clients, and we welcomed the opportunity to offer an overarching strategic vision for the town.
Londonewcastle
Benson Elliot
Barking 360
Swan NU Living
For the long narrow site next to the station, owned by developers Nu Living (part of Swan Housing) and now called Barking 360, others had come up with wall-like structures that would dominate the skyline and create a barrier between the station and the area beyond. Instead, we offered a fresh perspective which opened up the site with five interlocking cylindrical forms. Our scheme was welcomed, both by the planners and the community.
At Vicarage Field, a five-acre site between Barking Station and the town’s civic hub, we were working with fund managers Benson Elliot and developers Londonewcastle. This site was also the subject of a previous failed planning application and was where the outdated and monocultural 1960s shopping centre stood.
Our strategy here was to capitalise on the potential of the site through a multi-layered, mixed-use landscape which would link back to the surrounding streets and, critically, allow life to flow back into the existing high street. We were granted planning consent in January 2017.
Specificity
At Barking 360 we’re delivering high-density housing with a high proportion of affordable homes. It’s a tricky site and we’ve worked within significant cost constraints, but our bespoke and complex design has created unexpected value and individuality.
At the centre of Vicarage Field, a cluster of curved buildings on sculptural legs rises to a height of 36 storeys. Retail and leisure spaces weave in and out of their base, and the upper floors feel connected with the street below.
Two pedestrian routes gently meander through the whole site, coming together to create Vicarage Square, a multi-purpose open space. In the field-like pattern of our design, we’ve been inspired by the history of the area – it was once agricultural land associated with the local vicarage.
Sustainability
We want to nurture a ‘grow your own’ philosophy and create a sense of participation and ownership, and throughout Vicarage Field there’ll be edible planting, gardens and rainwater harvesting – with the water collected being used for allotments and community spaces.
Semi-protected paths and sheltered outdoor areas will make walking an easy and enjoyable way of getting around, whatever the weather.
By restoring a sense of coherence, movement and connection across the town, we’re actively encouraging people out of their cars. And by providing high-density homes close to a transport hub, we’re doing everything we can to promote the use of public transport.
Team
