BRENTFORD WATERSIDE

Characterful urban architecture, within a heritage landscape that creates vibrant homes, shops and public spaces

FOR BALLYMORE

We have designed three plots as part of Phase II of Ballymore’s ambitious masterplan in Brentford. The two largest plots are residential, with approximately 200 high quality homes, plus retail and work spaces. The third plot involves the refurbishment of a series of existing warehouse buildings to create new cultural and leisure spaces.

Our designs create a new destination in West London by repurposing industrial land previously inaccessible to the public. We have worked within consented parameter massing to address both the high street and the waterfront, giving attention to the neighbouring buildings and the quality of the public realm with a strong connection to landscape. With careful sensitivity to the waterside infrastructure, we are knitting together old and new to create a great place to live, work and visit.

Aerial view of a cityscape during sunset with modern apartment buildings, a river with boats, and green trees.
A digital rendering of an urban residential development with green spaces, trees, and pathways, including multi-story buildings surrounded by roads and sidewalks.
Aerial view of a city zip code area, showing roads and buildings, with a highlighted location.

ADDRESSING THE HISTORY AND HERITAGE OF AN URBAN SITE

Brentford’s location at the confluence of the River Brent and the River Thames means that it has been a bustling settlement site dating back to pre-Roman times. Major industrial development here commenced with the building of the Brentford Dock in 1855, a design by Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

Aerial view of a city with a river running through it, surrounded by buildings, train tracks, and bridges in a black and white photograph.
A detailed architectural layout of a neighborhood or community, including buildings, trees, pathways, and directional arrows indicating a route or flow.
A spacious outdoor rooftop patio decorated with various potted plants, outdoor furniture, and workout equipment, overlooking a view of trees and sky.

PLOT E - IMPROVING LIGHT AND PUBLIC REALM

Originally proposed as a horseshoe plan, our research into daylight and everyday urbanism informed our bold suggestion: change the entire massing.

Now, views open towards the waterside, with over half the homes oriented to the south. A large, landscaped community garden forms a generous public realm offering, set between the two masses and the water’s edge.

Three diagrams showing the stages of construction from a simple outline to a detailed building with labeled components and foundation.
Night view of a waterfront urban area with modern apartment buildings, outdoor dining, and a boat on the canal.
Two people standing on a balcony, clinking glasses, with cityscape in the background.
A lively outdoor courtyard in front of a multi-story residential building with balconies. People are sitting, talking, playing, and walking around near a fountain. There is a cafe area with tables and chairs, and a motorcycle and scooter parked on cobblestone pavement. Green trees and colorful umbrellas add to the vibrant atmosphere.
A woman sitting on a wooden bench next to a red bicycle, facing a modern green apartment building with balconies and greenery on the facade, during daytime.
A balcony with outdoor furniture, potted plants, and a woman sitting at a round table. Below, there is a dock with boats and a group of people gathered near the water, with a river or lake visible in the background.

STUNNING VIEWS OVER WATER & PARKLAND

The apartments in Plot E boast breathtaking views over the water, extending towards the River Thames, Kew Gardens, and eventually Richmond Park. Designed to bring the outdoors in, these homes are bathed in natural light and seamlessly connected to the surrounding greenery, offering a serene and picturesque living experience.

Living room with large windows, green couches, a white armchair, wooden coffee table, plants, art on the wall, and a view of trees outside.
A modern bedroom with a large window showing a green landscape. The bed has white linens, two green pillows, and a tray with books and a mug on it. There's a nightstand with a round white lamp and decorative items, and a framed picture hangs above the headboard.

PLOT J - A CONSIDERED PLAN AND PALETTE

A terraced ‘peninsula’ site, Plot J steps down towards the waterside frontage.

Its façades are articulated in four complementary brickwork colours and finishes to express the building mass. Balconies express the curvature and arches of the historic site in plan. At the rooftop, large private gardens are adorned with tall geometric frames that extend upward to compose the incredible views over Kew Gardens and along the river.

Three architectural drawings of a multi-story building, showing different stages of design with color and detail added in each stage.
A modern multi-story apartment building with colorful facades overlooking a canal with boats. The building has balconies, small trees, and landscaped areas in front, with steps leading down to the water and docks for boats. The scene is bright and clear with a few clouds in the sky.
Urban waterfront scene with modern apartment buildings, boats docked along a canal, and a partly cloudy sky.
View of a modern apartment interior and balcony with plants and outdoor furniture, divided by a glass sliding door.

SPACIOUS PRIVATE TERRACES FOR RELAXATION & ENTERTAINING

Designed for both unwinding and entertaining, the private terraces offer ample space for personalization, seamlessly extending the home into the outdoors. Blurring the line between inside and out, they provide a tranquil retreat in the fresh, cool waterside air. With panoramic views of the river, parkland, and open sky, these spaces invite moments of calm before setting out for a drink or a leisurely stroll to the nearby waterside eateries.

A view from a balcony with potted plants and a small table, overlooking modern apartment buildings and a city street with parked cars.
A modern living room with a gold sofa, colorful throw pillows, a black coffee table with books and a decorative bowl, a wooden armchair with striped cushions, a patterned area rug, and sliding glass doors leading to a balcony with outdoor seating and greenery.
Bright living room with large windows, beige sofa, wooden armchairs with striped cushions, sliding glass doors leading to a balcony, modern chandelier, and decor including plants and artwork.
Rooftop view of modern apartment building with balconies, greenery, and a river, with a city skyline in the background.

LOCATION

Brentford, London

SIZE

488,200 sqft

STATUS

Ongoing

CLIENT

Ballymore