Wenlock Road | Hawkins\Brown

Hawkins\Brown and Regal Homes have received planning permission from the London Borough of Hackney for a new 6,750 sq m mixed-use development. The building is located on Wenlock Road, Hackney within the Regents Canal Conservation Area. The Wenlock Road development consists of 10 storeys, comprising 4,650 sq m residential units, and 1,190 sq m commercial units located at street level. The proposal has a unique cruciform plan, which is staggered on each level to allow all 50 residential units benefit from at least 2, if not 3 aspects. This design strategy maximises light and ventilation into the whole flat plan and creates space for generous east and west facing terraces, as well as generous open terrace at first floor. This not only gives the development a unique residential offer but also results in a dynamic form when seen in the long view from Regent’s Canal. The main carcass of the building will be constructed of solid cross-laminated timber, a highly sustainable, modern material which is manufactured off-site. With its highest point 10 storeys high, once built it will be the tallest crosslaminated timber building in Europe and match the world record, which is currently under construction in Australia. The cross laminated elevations will be clad in slatted larch. Along the Wenlock Road elevation a dark brick screen completes the street elevation, which forms the edge of the conservation area. Once built the scheme will be named Banyan Wharf in reference to the banyan tree, which has a similar sculptural appearance.