Riverside Apartments and Studio
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Mixed-use development on the River Thames with the architects' own studio on the lower floors topped with residential accommodation
Located on the south bank of the Thames, close to Albert Bridge, the site was previously derelict. The strategy for its renewal involved creating a new network of pedestrian routes and the rehabilitation of the adjacent dock. The effect has been to make this stretch of the riverside accessible to the public and to create connections to neighbouring streets.
The building itself has eight storeys, with Foster + Partners' studio occupying the lower three levels and apartments located on the upper floors, all of which share views of the river. A private courtyard provides separate access and security for those who live in the building, while at the rear of the site a two-storey pavilion accommodates additional studio space and a print shop.
The main studio, at first-floor level, is entered via steps through a top-lit galleried space and forms a 60-metre-long, double-height volume. Along its southern edge a mezzanine contains meeting and presentation spaces together with a library and image bank, while below is a model shop.
Data
- Begun: 1986
- Completed: 1990
- Sectors: Residential, Office
- Address: Riverside , 22 Hester Road , London, SW11 4AN, United Kingdom
Professional Team
- Architect: Foster + Partners
- Project architect: Howard Gilby
- Client: Petmoor Developments
- Structural engineer: Arup
- Services engineer: J.R.P
- Quantity surveyor: Schumann Smith
- Main contractor: O & H Construction
- Curtain Walling Consultant: Emmer Hass Pfenninger
- Acoustic consultant: Tim Smith
- Lighting consultant: Claude Engle
Suppliers
- Raised floor: Goldbach/Systemline
- External Louvres: Solonia
- Penthouse Steelwork: Tubeworkers
- Gallery Steelwork: Amco
- Library structure and stair handrails: Rareunit