EQUIPMENT WORKS : BLACKHORSE ROAD, LONDON

Sectors : Homes / Workplace

Client : U+I / Telford Homes / Greystar / Notting Hill Genesis

DLA Architecture have completed a new mixed-use development delivering new homes, public realm and workspaces for small businesses.

The scheme is designed to open up the site for the local neighbourhood through the inclusion of a new public square and dedicated pedestrian access throughout.

The development is less than 150 metres from Blackhorse Road tube station and transforms the 3-acre industrial site into a new landscaped environment with 337 new homes and commercial space for businesses. DLA completed RIBA Stages 0 to 3 with U+I plc and then were retained by Telford Homes to complete the BTR element for Greystar and the affordable homes element for Notting Hill Genesis.

The site was originally the home of the Associated Equipment Company, and the factory was responsible for manufacturing motorised London buses until 1927, with these prototypes going on to shape the design of the famous London Bus – the Routemaster. We have taken inspiration from the patterns, design and typography found in these historic vehicles as well as historic landscape patterns in the locality to influence the architecture, landscape design, signage, street furniture and play elements.

This project is an example of our contextual narrative-led design approach and includes two large scale brick murals designed by DLA which are inspired by the industrial manufacturing heritage of the site.