Urban block with a mix
Saxon Court King’s Cross
Location: London, United Kingdom
Client: King’s Cross Central Limited Partnership (KCCLP)
Programme: 46.500 m², Mixed-use housing project, 38.200m2 residential, 8.300m2 commercial
The King’s Cross Development is the new “front door” of central London when arriving by train to King’s Cross or St Pancras Stations. The masterplan includes up to 2,000 homes and serviced apartments. Approximately 44% of the total number of homes will be affordable.
Saxon Court sits to the north west of the development, fronting the new Cubit Park and is designed by Stirling Prize winning architects MaccreanorLavington:MLA+. The building has three distinct elements – the north block houses 63 general needs social rented (affordable) apartments and 40 shared equity units, the west block houses 40 supported housing (extra care) apartments, and the south block houses 65 private apartments. The accommodation sits above a ground floor of mixed commercial space and the general needs social rented apartments have access to a private courtyard. The shared equity and private accommodation has access to private roof terraces.
The external appearance takes reference from existing warehouses in this area. Courtyard facades have a light coloured brick and will be quite flat. In contrast to this all facades facing the surrounding of Saxon Court are of a darker appearance and have a depth, which is created by a weaving pattern of vertical pilasters and horizontal concrete beams above the windows. Beneath every window a cast panel is envisaged in following the tradition of Victorians.
The project will achieve ‘Lifetime Homes’ standard and Level 4 under the Code for Sustainable Homes.
Stages:
2010 – 2013 Architecture all stages
2013 Completion
Awards:
2014 RIBA National Award, RIBA London Award, Camden Design Award, und Civic Trust Awards
2013 New London Architecture Award
Overview of King’s Cross Project
Team:
Maccreanor Lavington:MLA+
Structure: Ramboll
M&E, Sustainability: HoareLea
Planning consultant: Argent
Projectmanagement: Davis Langdon
Landscape: Townshend
Acoustic: HoareLea
Fire: AECOM
