Challenge

Following a lengthy specification process with the London office of Planit-IE Landscape Architects, Artform Urban Furniture was appointed by Vastint UK to provide a considerable number of bespoke concrete benches, alongside street furniture elements including litter bins, cycle parking and picnic sets, to a newly-built neighbourhood in the east of London which, at the time, was one of the largest residential developments in Europe.

Solution

Bespoke concrete block benches, some of which are clad in hardwood toppers, were designed and manufactured specifically for this project, echoing the light-reflective architecture of the newly-built studios and apartments. Great lengths were taken to find the perfect mix of aggregates to achieve the specifier's preferred colour mix and match paving being used on site. Sample blocks in concrete and granite were supplied with and without timber toppers to make sure all stakeholders were happy with the final look/colour. Stainless steel cycle stands are abundantly scattered around the car-free space, encouraging a peaceful and emission-free environment. Likewise, the sophisticated minimal design of the Spencer litter bin reflects the surrounding ambience whilst keeping the area clean and tidy.

Background

The 26-acre project to revitalise this once-crumbling industrial site began in 2013, garnering widespread attention for its simplistic and sustainable design, which was in part due to the project origins being within the hands of IKEA although, soon into the project, the development team split off from IKEA and rebranded under a new name, Vastint UK.

The entire neighborhood is divided into 13 plots, each designed by one of nine different architects.

Danes Yard is the first completed phase of the Vastint UK master plan in bringing a brand new neighbourhood to London. The name of the area, Strand East, was changed to Sugar House Island in 2017 with Vastint looking for a name that has stronger ties to the community and its history. The sentiment is evident throughout the project in the refurbishing of old warehouse buildings, yards and alleyways.

Once completed in 2024, Sugar House Island will feature more than 624,000 square feet of office space, 1200 homes, and nearly 131,000 square feet of green space. Developers have also made room for new restaurants, cafés, shops, a primary school, and a 350-bed hotel. Developers expect the project to create 2,500 new jobs.

About Artform Urban Furniture

Artform Urban Furniture is part of the Bailey Street Furniture Group a privately owned collection of individual companies serving the construction sector, providing a wide range of street furniture, playground elements and associated services to the public realm, commercial and educational schemes throughout the UK.