Vantage Point
by GRID architects
Client Essential Living
Awards RIBA London Award 2017
The project is a refurbishment and recladding of a notorious, 18 storey, 1970s office building on Archway corner; to accommodate residential units for rent. Located above Archway station, the tall dark building dominated the area and, in combination with the empty shops, complex traffic junctions and narrow pedestrian access; made for a poor urban experience.
The tower renovation is part of the regeneration of the area as a whole, in tandem with the diversion of roads, the provision of generous pedestrianised space and the renovation of local shops. It has made a commendable difference to the local area. Erected without scaffolding and following the original building massing, the new façade achieves the architect’s aim to brighten the building through the use of angled aluminium perforate cladding which also conceals openable windows for ventilation.
The design and client team are commended for an elegant design and careful detailing, which has transformed a failed building into an active one and made a significant contribution to the regeneration of the local area.
Contractor McLaren Construction
Structural Engineers Walsh Group
M&E Engineers sweco
Interior Designers Wimberly Interiors
Quantity Surveyor Arcadis
Internal Area 2,975 m²
