Horizons

Location: Poplar,
LB Tower Hamlets

Client: Telford Homes

Use: 190 new homes including 26 storeys tower. 30% affordable housing

Development at Yabsley Street recognises the challenge of an ever changing and competing skyline of taller buildings which sit against the iconic backdrop of Canary Wharf. This is a small site, but typifies the character of recent higher density developments here and presents a design challenge to maximise the spectacular panorama from this site located close to the bend in the river, whilst conserving the local heritage asset around the adjacent Poplar Dock.

Consent was gained for two buildings; a tower extending to 26 storeys and a lower bock providing a connection with the neighbouring lower buildings. The positon of the tallest block is important, where its clean and distinctive silhouette are frequently glimpsed in isolation, particularly from the east, looking west towards the riverside. Lower buildings either side mean it stands prominantly, and as a tall building this demands the highest design quality. Careful dialogue was undertaken with both LB Tower Hamlets and CABE Officers who were supportive of the approach.

The design detail sought to provide extensive outside amenity space for all apartments, with the living spaces benefitting from dual aspect across to the Thames to the South and East of the iconic backdrop of Canary Wharf to the west.