Berkeley Group asked Formation Architects to design this major residential-led development in Southall in the London Borough of Ealing. Berkeley had already gained Outline Consent for a phased masterplan providing over 4,000 homes and Phase 1 had already been implemented.
Formation Architects were then asked to prepare a ‘Reserved Matters’ application for Phase 2, comprising 1,158 homes in 18 major apartment buildings. The new application included numerous changes to the original consent as well as designing the detailed layout and appearance of the new buildings.
Richard McGibbon, Head of Development at Berkeley Group
Designing within the established parameter plans, the buildings form two clearly identified ‘quarters’ each with a different character – one referencing the industrial heritage of the site, the other taking its design cues from the new landscaped park. Each quarter then follows its own design principles ensuring a good balance of variety and consistency in detailing and materiality. Organised around public streets and private courtyards the new buildings vary in height and shape so that seen from near or far, the overall profile is lively and interesting.
The focus for Phase 2 is a civic square large enough to accommodate public events. Commanding the square and also relating to the landscaped park behind is the tallest building in the development, a 19 storey residential tower. As the centrepiece of the entire development this building is in white brick with dark metal infill panels, providing a strong contrast with the other buildings.
