- Architecture
- Masterplanning
- Urban Design
- Landscape Architecture
- Interior Design
- Town Planning
- Project Management
- Environmental Services
Crossways
Date: 2005
New housing & refurbishment
Client: SWAN Housing Association
The Crossways Estate in Bow, Tower Hamlets, was constructed in the early 1970’s. Its original design centred around three 25-storey towers accessed by high level walkways. The estate has not stood the test of time and has been in serious physical and social decline.
PRP’s masterplan includes new housing for rent and sale and the full refurbishment of the existing towers. Reducing crime, creating a high quality, sustainable, urban environment and improving the quality of homes is central to PRP’s regeneration design.
The interiors of existing apartments will be completely refitted. Importantly, high performance windows and new insulation will improve the thermal performance of all flats. The towers will have concierge services and be fitted with new security solutions. New rendering and pre-fabricated aluminium elements will also update and modernise their appearance and the height of the towers has been used to dramatic effect to create a local landmark, with special coloured rooftop lighting viewable from the Olympic park.
The new-build projects feature timber- and concrete-framed houses and flats, creating a sympathetic and modern backdrop to the towers and unifying the look and feel of the entire estate. Special attention has been placed on creating generous balconies and attractive entrances and communal courtyards.
Comprehensive high quality landscaping is key to the overall urban design plan - substantial ground remodelling, including a new road and bridging structures over the adjacent railway, will create a layout which integrates with its surroundings. Retained existing trees and new semi-mature trees will provide wind sheltering and shading and improve the area’s visual aspect. A new community centre, nursery, play facilities, sports pitch and park areas have also been included to provide new community facilities.
In total, the new estate will provide a total of 397 new homes or flats out of a total of 670 and is expected to be completed in 2010.