Phase 1, New Bermondsey

Phase 1, New Bermondsey delivers an extraordinary mixed-used design tailored to fit a challenging triangular site. The architectural character is inspired by the history of the area, a significant hive of industrial activity during the Industrial Revolution. The industrial buildings and structures of this era were typically utilitarian in character, with expressed structures and honesty in the selection and use of hard-wearing and sympathetic materials. Phase 1 takes these design cues from this past industrial aesthetic with a contemporary appearance to create a juxtaposition between new and old. Phase 1 comprises three identical triangular residential buildings carefully positioned above a unique three-storey podium that delivers a range of uses, including a café, studios, flexible foyer area and anchored at the heart of the scheme, a multi-purpose auditorium space capable of hosting a wide variety of events and accommodating up to 800 visitors at a time. Combined with a south-facing square, Phase 1 will create memorable and warm sense of welcoming to the nearby proposed Overground station that is expected to be completed at the same time. A total of 600 private and affordable homes are accommodated in tenure-blind towers. The majority of the homes are dual-aspect and there are no north-facing single-aspect dwellings. The triangular form enables each building to sit within each corner of the triangular site, resulting in generous separation distances between them and creating a column-free central space at ground level to house the auditorium. Connecting the three towers is the podium; an organic hill-like form that creates a visual connection to the adjacent verdant railway embankments. The podium references the angular geometry of the towers and combines these with sweeping curves and stepping-terraces. Extensive planters wrap along the terraces of the podium, creating swathes of green that pleasingly complement the concrete façades. The ‘hilltop’ offers landscaped open space for all residents to enjoy. Within the podium itself, a permeable layout ensures that residents and visitors can enjoy unobstructed routes that flow through and connect spaces, such as the café, foyer and residential entrances. Exoskeletons push structure to the perimeter of the building to increase building adaptability into the future and improves integration with the podium. A soft-pink pigmentation celebrates this structural strategy, which also visually breaks down the overall building mass. The colour choice of a soft pink makes reference to the warmer shades found in traditional London Stock brick, found in the railway arches and historic warehouses of the area. Both, exoskeletons and podium cladding will be constructed from pre-cast concrete elements and share a language of precision and uniformity. Sustainability is also been a key driver behind the design of Phase 1. It aims to be a zero carbon development through energy efficient design, low carbon heating with connection to SELCHP (community heating network), local carbon offsetting and by encouraging cycling and walking. The podium will also be home to ENVAC, an automated vacuum-driven waste system that collects refuse across the New Bermondsey masterplan to a central collection point to reduce refuse vehicle trip.