Graphite Square, Vauxhall
We worked with Ben Adams Architects on the new mixed-use residential and commercial development in the heart of Vauxhall. We designed a central public realm which connects the different elements, and created a private garden for residents at the podium level.
Location London, UK | Client AG Plaza de Carlos 4 | Size 27899 m2 | Status Under construction | Tags Residential, Commercial, Mixed-use
Tucked behind government ministries and the Albert Embankment, Graphite Square brings together office space for over a thousand people, 160 apartments of which 35% are affordable, a congregational space for the Methodist Church, a local café, public space, new pedestrian routes and residents' gardens
The project breathes life into a previously underused and partially derelict site. The 2,700 square meter site had storage facilities and offices, with an uninspiring streetscape.
Graphite Square will be a wholesome mixed-use space. It will offer office space for over a thousand people, one hundred and sixty apartments, a prominent congregational space for the Methodist Church, a local café, public open space, and residents’ gardens with playgrounds.
New pedestrian routes across Graphite Square in both directions create public links through the neighborhood - currently blocked by buildings, gates and private property restrictions.
Social wellbeing is at the very heart of Graphite Square.
The mix of public space in the local community is centered on the park at Vauxhall Gardens. Allotments line the northern edge, and the landscaped spaces at Graphite Square add public routes and more intimate dwell spaces to the local mix. The 1800sqm of new public space creates opportunities for community use such as local markets and a safe space for children to run around. Natural surveillance of these areas adds to the safety and well-being of residents, workers and visitors.
The formal yet flexible public spaces on the ground level weave together the new buildings and incorporate two new generous courtyards. These yards are populated with planters which double as seating elements, and hold a mix of species to provide year-round interest and varied habitats for insect and bird life. Strategically set along the sunny north-south axis, trees in planters create a green spine through the development and help to reduce the impact of the high-rise buildings by focusing attention on the lower levels of the buildings. Access routes for the maintenance vehicles are included, with bin staging area and exits in the shaded areas.
The main amenity space for residents is located at podium level. The four-storey office podium is topped with a fully landscaped terrace which offers a shared garden space for the residential blocks above. The gardens provide sheltered spaces for relaxation, and offer a different set of habitats to the local parks to increase biodiversity. The terrace also features a play area for children.
Winter gardens to each apartment assist thermal gain and usability in the winter months and provide rapid ventilation and outdoor space in the summer.