ArchitectureWeek People and Places: CZWG - Vermillion Housing in London

CZWG designed the recently completed Vermillion development, the first phase in the Rathbone Market development in the Canning Town area of London, England. Photo: © Tim Crocker

A 21-story residential tower anchors the western end of the recently completed Vermillion mixed-use residential complex, the first in a three-phase development of a 1.56-hectare (4.8-acre) lot in the historic Rathbone Market area of eastern London, England. CZWG designed the 271-unit development, which includes a mix of residential types including affordable and market-rate units for rent and for sale. The project received funding from the Homesa nd Communities Agency.

The other building elements comprising Vermillion include a smaller 13-story eastern tower, and three other low-rise structures that, connect the towers and form a wide south-facing U-shaped enclosure that shelters an "eco-garden" courtyard.

The buildings of the Vermillion phase are organized around a second-floor courtyard. Photo: © Tim Crocker

The fourth side of the courtyard, adjacent to an elevated roadway, is enclosed by a vertical-garden wall. A large pond in the courtyard, and three other fountains, are supplied by a rainwater collection system throughout the site.

Second-level floor-plan drawing. Image: CZWG

True to the project's name, vibrant red and orange hues dominate the color scheme of its cladding system, displayed against a backdrop of neutral gray panels, and offset by purple highlights in both towers. The cladding system comprises polyester powder coated (PPC) aluminum rain-screen panels. Stainless steel is also used for facade detail elements, including window mullions and hand rails.

Building overview from the northwest, looking across Barking Road. Photo: © Tim Crocker

Some 2,000 square meters (22,000 square feet) of ground-floor retail space will serve the busy adjacent street and newly created pedestrian routes. The building was opened at a ceremony on December

An upper-level living space and balcony inside the taller of the two Vermillion towers. Photo: © Tim Crocker

Project Credits

Address: Canning Town
Client: English Cities Fund: a joint venture between English, Partnerships, Legal and General, and Muse Developments
Main Contractor: John Sisk & Sons:
Local Authority: London Borough of Newham
Site Area : 652,500 sq ft
Contract Value: Estimated at £180 million
Completion Date: Expected by 2015
Awarded planning permission in: March 2009
Structural & Environmental Engineers: Ramboll
Quantity Surveying: Rider Levett Bucknall
Transport: Peter Brett Associates
Affordable Housing Consultant: Douglas Birt Consulting
CZWG team: Stephen Rigg, Cristina Lanz-Azcarate, Juamba Carcel Cabanas, Eion Curtis, Rafaelle Damiano, Irene Casajuana, Simon He, Cara Edwards, Andrew : Daws (Former Partner)