360 Barking is becoming one of the most dynamic hubs in Eastern London as an elegant cluster of cylindrical towers ranging from 10 to 27 storeys in height.
Situated in the vicinity of Barking Station, the four-tower development extends on 435 m2 of commercial space comprising of 291 new apartments of which 96 will be affordable, with priority for local residents.
Designed by Studio Egret West and delivered by Stockwool Architects, all homes will have either a private balcony or winter garden, and the development also includes two landscaped communal roof gardens. The balconies add a further organic dimension which accentuates the horizontal connection between the four main drum elements.
The enabling structures are based on a plan form of two intersecting circular forms of 11 metres in diameter, aspiring to establish the scheme as an urban, memorable landmark of the Barking station area.
Wintech client, NU living has operated on an unused site since 2004, managing to invigorate the Vicarage Field area found under redevelopment. Aluminium rainscreen panels and corrugated metal cladding alongside unitised systems comprising fixed vision glazing were utilised on the main façade, increasing the use of natural light. Schüco FW50 stick curtain wall system offered an optimum creative freedom alternative for the ground floor façade.
Alloy Fabweld were appointed as balcony contractors. It was ensured that every terrace and balcony would benefit from both aesthetic and functional purposes of side hinge windows and doors. The bolt-on steel framed curved balconies define the elegant structure of Cambridge Road, allowing wide cinemascope perspectives of the area, unlike typical box enclosures.
Wintech has provided full scope of façade consultancy services to the client, including design development, performance specification, design audit and site audit of installation.
The 360 Barking scheme has been completed in the summer of 2019.
Images courtesy of SWAN NU living