22 April 2008
WORK COMPLETES ON LANDMARK OLYMPIC SCHEME
Photgraphs: Morley von Sternberg
Icona, the first scheme overlooking the Olympic Park is nearing completion.
Telford Homes’ residential-led, mixed-use development is one of the
first schemes in the area to hand over. It will overlook the Olympic aquatic
centre and is within 300m of the proposed stadium. Telford Homes acted
as both developer and contractor and architects and urban designers, Stock
Woolstencroft, designed and oversaw the construction of this high profile,
landmark development, which made extensive use of Modern Methods of Construction
and is a clear and positive sign of things to come in the Stratford vicinity.
Telford Homes’ brief was for the architects to transform a derelict
and decaying Brownfield site and deliver a landmark building, to act as
a key driver for long-term revitalisation of the area. After carrying
out a detailed urban analysis of the emerging townscape, Stock Woolstencroft
suggested a scheme clad with a brightly coloured facade to cement its
prominent status. Inspiration for the elevations came from studying the
work of artist Donald Judd, particularly his use of bold, regular forms,
strong colours and industrial materials to create art that emphasised
purity of colour, form, space and materials.
Icona is a triumph of construction as well as architecture and has already
collected a Silver Seal of Excellence at the NHBC Pride in the Job awards.
In order to achieve the best quality and avoid damage to the facades caused
by extensive scaffolding during the construction phase, the external envelope
of steel and glass balconies and aluminium panels and distinctive fins
were manufactured as pre-fabricated complete elements, which were then
installed on site without the need for scaffolding. The majority of the
external walls and the entire 18-storey, elliptical tower were constructed
in this manner and the result is a high-quality finish with crisp, clean
lines, as befitting a building with a strong Olympic context.
There are also pre-fabricated staircases and pre-fabricated bathroom and
ensuite shower room pods throughout the development, divided into two
bathroom types and two ensuite types.
Icona comprises 249 units of which 87 are affordable housing for East
Homes. The affordable homes all use the same materials and style as the
open market homes making it a tenure blind development. There are three
buildings that make up the development, an 18-storey tower and two other
buildings at seven and four storeys. Underground parking (with 70 spaces)
is provided, as is over 920sq m of commercial space, which includes a
residents’ gym.
John Fitzgerald, managing director of Telford Homes Alto said: “Icona
is a true symbol of Olympian optimism - it sets a high benchmark for future
development in Stratford and will help drive the economic and social regeneration
of the area for years to come.”
Stock Woolstencroft partner, Derek Jay said: “It is unusual for a
residential scheme to have pre-fabrication to this extent on the external
faÁade, demonstrating how Icona pushes technical boundaries as
well as architectural ones. The outcome is a high quality, benchmark development
that local people and London can be proud of.”
Icona
Stratford project : Stock Woolstencroft
Stratford Buildings
Icona is one of three Stock Woolstencroft schemes that will feature in
New London Architecture’s ‘Des Res: London’s housing challenge’
exhibition taking place 24 April – 14 June.
Stock Woolstencroft is currently working on some ten schemes at varying
stages of construction in the Olympic vicinity, totalling over 2,300 units
and with a construction value of over £300 million.
Stock Woolstencroft is a 70-strong practice formed in 1989 and has an
established reputation for maximising the potential of each project, adding
value through leadership, teamwork and vision.
Much of the firm’s work involves close working with regeneration
agencies, local government authorities and public and private sector clients,
and has been driven by projects concerned with new buildings, re-use of
existing buildings, environmental improvement and economic regeneration.
In recent years the practice has been responsible for projects in private
and social housing, community, health and education sectors as well as
urban design and master planning projects. The practice has a reputation
for project enabling and much of its architectural work is borne from
its role as a key player in the early stages of regeneration.
Telford Homes Plc was established in the year 2000. By providing excellent
product finish, customer service and value for money, the Company has
enjoyed continuous and substantial growth since formation. In addition
to producing high quality, desirable new homes at affordable prices, Telford
Homes has thrived upon its choice of development locations. By carefully
selecting locations that are in close proximity to established or planned
transport links, often in areas that have major regeneration programmes
planned or under way.
Since 2001, Telford Homes has been traded on AIM — the Alternative
Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange. Telford Homes continues
to grow: as at April 2008 the Company has around 69 developments either
completed, under construction or in design for future construction.
150 High Street
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Icona Stratford Tower - page:
adrian welch / isabelle lomholt