The Haydon

The Haydon comprises of 87 luxury homes located in a secluded urban setting.

Project Details +

Project Details

LOCATION: London

DATE: 2012-2024

CLIENT: 4C Group

STATUS: Completed

SIZE: 7,281 sqm GIA (87 Residential Units)

Credits +

Credits

Architecture: ACME

Structural Engineering: AKT II / Curtins

MEP: Gloster MEP

Fire Engineer: Ashton Fire Limited

Acoustics: RSK Group

BREEAM: Stroma Certification

Thermal Modelling: Whitecode Consulting Ltd

Landscape Architecture: Spacehub

Developer, Construction: Regal London

The Minories site has a long and complex history. Crossed by Roman roads, the medieval Holy Trinity convent church survived here until the 20th century, whilst the urban fabric around it changed to become the Huguenot quarter, Butchers Alley and a rail goodsyard. After many decades of dereliction, this quiet back alley and garden will come to life again alongside a secluded new residential tower.

Volume departs from the adjacent building

Staggering to maximise views and light

Creating distance from building in front

Set back to create balconies and improve garden

The building mass sways in response to its surroundings, cantilevering out up to four metres. A three-dimensional play that creates the impression of randomness, while adhering to strict structural grid lines of the concrete frame carry the cantilever loads efficiently to base.

The forward and backward stepping floors minimize overlooking and overshadowing of adjacent spaces. The facade was inspired by metal chainmail aprons and gloves used by butchers when this site was a holding pen for the adjacent Butchers Row. A sequence of perforated corrugated aluminium cladding panels is used to create a metal curtain that gives privacy and filtered transparency to the residents. A number of perforation patterns were tested to create the impression of a soft and fluid metal veil.