Gasholders London

King’s Cross is the largest urban development scheme in Europe, the rich industrial heritage of the area is integral to its renaissance. Among the most distinctive and beautiful features to be retained is the triplet of Grade II-Listed, cast iron gasholder guide frames which were originally constructed in 1867. The guide frames, including 123 columns, have been painstakingly restored by Shepley Engineers. Despite being over 150 years old, the triplet is in remarkably good condition, largely preserved from decay by 32 layers of paint. WilkinsonEyre won a design competition in 2002 with a concept for three residential buildings to be housed within the frames. The design proposed three drums of accommodation at differing heights to suggest the movement of the original gasholders, which would have risen up or down depending on the pressure of the gas within. A fourth, virtual drum shape, at the centre forms an open courtyard, celebrating the conglomeration of the structures at their point of intersection. The design was developed to create a dynamic counterpoint between old and new. The heavy industrial aesthetic and raw physical materiality of the guide frames contrasts with the lightness and intricacy of the interior spaces. The circular nature of the buildings result in apartments that are laid out to take advantage of natural daylighting, a ‘pie’ shaped configuration with expansive views. The structural grid is set out according to the diameter of each gasholder frame, with a variety of apartment types located around the perimeter of each volume. The structural columns and sheer walls are arranged radially, giving every unit a sense of the original curve structure of the building. The scheme provides 145 apartments with interior architecture by Jonathan Tuckey Design, a private gym, a spa, a business lounge and an entertainment suite. All apartments are accessed through a central courtyard, each drum with its own atrium and core. These are linked by a series of circular walkways which surround the courtyard, where light is reflected in a water feature. The light reflections from the pool will animate the space and be particularly effective when viewed from the elevated walkways that encircle the courtyard: the gas holder frames will seem to extend downward until they disappear from sight. Raised planters and sunken roof lights to the basement below will puncture this illusion. In another play of contrasts, the roofs are planted as gardens to bring nature to the urban landscape. Cladding is composed of modular vertical panels of steel and glass textured with a veil of shutters which can be opened or closed at a touch of a button, to give shade and privacy to the occupants. Designed for the busy urbanite, the apartments within incorporate innovative technologies that will allow the residents to alter, control and environmentally fine-tune the living spaces to suit their individual needs. All systems will close down when not in use, coming alive again at the touch of a smartphone. This project repurposes and celebrates the original gasholder guide frames, whilst providing exceptional, vibrant residential accommodation that will help to anchor the building in its new location. The renovation of this historically important structure and its integration with the public realm demonstrates a commitment to the regeneration and sustainability of the wider area. Designs utilise the building fabric to deliver a low energy building that maximises natural daylight and natural ventilation wherever possible. A combination of passive design features, highly efficient building services and a low carbon energy supply will deliver a building that will return a significant carbon saving – estimated to be 45%. The connection between Gasholders London its context is reinforced with a series of communal and private gardens, these sit on top and in between the buildings. Proposals for the public realm have similarly been designed to be sustainable including incorporation of thoughtful ecology, low energy LED lighting and sustainable paving materials. Planting features a mix of species to provide visitors with year-round interest; with vivid colours to striking seed heads, many of which are native, and are chosen to support pollinating insects. Gasholders London balances the functional requirements of modern living, whilst celebrating the character and form of the guide frames. The project responds to the wider industrial heritage, meeting the inherent constraints with imaginative design.