The Residence is a mixed-tenure development of 505 homes set within the Vauxhall Nine Elms Opportunity Area. The site was former industrial land and Ponton Road, which sits next to a railway viaduct, once contained a train station and sidings. The developer, Bellway, split their land holding into two plots and GRID was appointed to design the eastern parcel for private tenure, while Maccreanor Lavington are the architects for the western parcel for affordable housing.
The architectural treatments are however very different. The site is adjacent to the Nine Elms regeneration masterplan area and an understanding of the overriding design principles of the Allies and Morrison masterplan was essential in driving the built form.
A key principle of the eastern parcel is to provide active frontages on all sides to create vibrant streets and high-quality public realm - even to the railway viaduct which will eventually house creative industries within the arches. The residential accommodation is located round a raised courtyard with retail and car parking at ground level. The layout maximises river views and views across the new linear park to the American Embassy, from spectacular triangular balconies that address the civic space.
The massing comprises of a low horizontal block wrapping round the site with a taller slab block as a counter point. While the detailing is the same on each mass the bricks chosen for the precast panels are contrasting - one light and one dark. What really brings the façades to life are the highlights of brightly coloured, glazed tiles in the colours of the Railway Company that once used the site. The tiles are set on splayed reveals to pick up the changing light and are arranged as a vertical scale from dark red to yellow.
The courtyard gardens to both plots have open or lower massing to their southern ends to allow sunlight to enter the amenity spaces. The eastern plot has a giant entrance lobby opposite the American Embassy, and public steps rise alongside a private staircase internally to connect the public realm to the courtyard. All the blocks have entrance lobbies at ground floor, but many residents choose to enter their building via the lobby and courtyard.
GRID was responsible for interior design and the project implementation. As the site sits above the Northern Line extension, construction had to be completed rapidly and therefore precast cladding was selected to allow the building to be completed before the tunnelling machinery burrowed under the site. This meant high quality finishes could be applied in factory conditions minimising waste.
