The Atlas
High Rise Residential New-Build / Mixed Use
Located on a 0.165 ha. brownfield site, this 32-storey mixed-use tower contains 570 student flats, a gym with a local borough swimming pool and two roof terraces. On behalf of Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios I was responsible for developing the concept design for a two-stage tender process with detailed design development, coordination, and site visits in the first phase of construction.
Social Interaction
Accommodation is clustered around a single triangular core with access to common spaces indoors and to two accessible roof terraces with panoramic views of London. In response to views and sightlines to and from the Vauxhall Conservation Area, the massing steps back gradually at higher levels to create smaller and more slender tower elements. The students’ studios are clustered around the central core to face east, south and west on each side; maximizing direct sunlight in all accommodation.
The Wider Community
Creating a framework for the sustainable growth of a new community was a design challenge for a building of this scale. At ground level, a much-needed local leisure facility integrates into the public domain with views into the 25m basement swimming pool and fitness studios above. Working with Sport England’s guidance we delivered an exemplary swimming pool facility that now benefits the well-being of students and the local community alike.
Connecting to Local Heritage
The Atlas is clad ceramic tiles, referring back to the manufacturing heritage of the Doulton stoneware and ceramics factory in Lambeth.
The detailed design of the terracotta façade relates back to the colour palette of local stock brick and Doulton Pottery Works. The pseudo-randomised mix of glazed and matte terracotta tiles are designed to absorb, blend and reflect a variety of optic and atmospheric qualities generated by the weather and natural daylight.
Technical Design Development & Construction
Construction of the Atlas took three years to complete, starting with a contiguous pile wall construction, followed by a slip form reinforced concrete core with PT slabs and terracotta rainscreen cladding.