Sky Gardens

The tower will comprise of studio, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments. To foster a comfortable and community feel, resident’s will have access to a top floor sky gardens lounge with views across the city, concierge service, co-working / workspaces, car club. The development will also feature two commercial units, providing additional convenience and an enhanced living experience. 

DLA were approached in 2022 directly by Citylife to take over this project, following demonstration of competence and a high standard of delivery on other comparable high–rise projects. The team have worked closely with the client and later Torsion Construction, once novated to improve buildability and bring the scheme to reality.  

The design adopts a ‘fabric first’ approach, optimising passive solar gain and selecting construction materials in consideration of the thermal performance, air tightness and energy efficiency. The ventilation strategy will be modelled in consideration of the stringent air tightness targets and integrated during the detailed design process to maximise the use of natural ventilation where possible, reduce the potential for over-heating in summer and control humidity and fresh air changes therefore maintaining comfortable and good indoor air quality. The development will recover waste heat where mechanical ventilation is required. 

Reduction in onsite potable water use will be addressed through a variety of initiatives; water efficient appliances will be specified as standard, with rainwater harvesting systems used where appropriate (i.e. the relative water savings weighted against the energy load for pumping and filtration requirements) to enable an informed water saving strategy. The scheme will reduce onsite surface water run-off through the provision of rainwater collection systems. 

Our design and delivery expertise enabled us to progress the scheme while resolving fundamental compliance issues identified within the original design. We approached this sensitively, ensuring the client’s vision was realised while securing a robust and compliant outcome. 

As a ‘transitional’ project, the scheme brought unique challenges and time pressures. Working collaboratively with the wider design team, client, and contractor, we successfully navigated these complexities to ensure the scheme could be delivered with confidence.