KPF, one of the pre-eminent architectural companies in the world, have won planning for the New Broadway development in Vauxhall, London. The plans are to build a 50 storey two towered skyscraper that will house a mixture of flats, offices, leisure amenities such as a gym and cinema and an outdoor winter garden. The designs are ultra-modern and have seen the skyscraper dubbed the “Jenga Tower” by the London Evening Standard because an upper portion of the structure overhangs the lower floors.
The site, currently home to a warehouse, has been earmarked as part of an ambitious regeneration project. Several proposals have been submitted for the site but the Jenga Tower is the first to earn permission. Construction is set to start in 2015 and is expected to be completed by 2018. The plan is very ambitious and aims to create a multi-use building that will add a great deal to the local community. Building the skyscraper is set to create over 700 construction jobs and once finished the retail and office spaces will create over 300.
The flats in the building will be a mixture of sizes with a number of them to be designated as affordable housing. The largest tower will house 360 private flats whereas space has been earmarked in the smaller one for an additional 90 apartments. In total there should be 450 new homes created when the building is finished.
The development is designed to be sustainable and the design features a landscaped roof garden above the office block. An additional four terraces are also available for residents to enjoy. Glass plays a prominent role in the design and should help to keep the property insulated. The current proposal plans to create 553 bicycle parking spaces, encouraging new residents to switch to more eco-friendly transport.
The Jenga Tower is part of a revolution that encourages every modern architect to examine how to make the most of the spaces that are available in new and exciting ways. With plans for other skyscrapers in the area, it could be the start of something special for London.