Challenge

IOTA was commissioned to create bespoke architectural metalwork and large-scale interior planters for the redevelopment of Lots Road Power Station in Chelsea, London. 

Solution

Architectural metalwork

IOTA designed, manufactured and supplied 150 ceiling feature elements, of varying size and design, for the East and West Concierge areas.

The essential design concept appears deceptively simple, but this was a challenging brief.

  • The elements had to be design-integrated with lighting, ventilation and fire extinguisher systems and fully welded.

  • The metallic bronze colour specified was very unforgiving.

  • The features were large - up to 1500mm long x 1000mm high.

This meant the features had to be manufactured with great precision to achieve the high aesthetic standard expected on such a prestigious development.

Large-scale interior planters

IOTA was also contracted to design, manufacture, supply and install 22 large-scale planters.

These were supplied in various dimensions up to 3000 x 3000mm, manufactured from robust 3mm-thick 1.4003 stainless steel, and polyester powder coated with the super-durable, ultra-matt Interpon D2015 Precis paint formulation in the Dark Bronze colour Y2M01L.

IOTA’s interior planters form the landscaped element of a 100m public atrium in the former turbine hall that is set to be lined with shops and restaurants.

The planters were designed to fasten to SHS steel framework which formed the skeleton of the central atrium features, and to integrate with lighting and drainage.

Watertightness was an absolute requirement; and the planters were not only thoroughly sealed during manufacture, but they were also lined with butyl liners at installation.

IOTA used specialised lifting equipment to lift the planters onto the SHS steel framework.

Bespoke architectural metalwork by IOTA

The ceiling features at Lots Road Power Station are an example of bespoke architectural metalwork produced by IOTA. Bespoke architectural metalwork solutions that have been supplied by IOTA include:

  • Artwork

  • Frontages

  • Cladding and canopies

  • Lighting and signage

  • Pergolas and pagodas

  • Handrails and balustrades

About Lots Road Power Station

The former turbine hall, designed by Fiona Barratt-Campbell, is a stunning focal point for the development. Throughout the interior spaces there are multiple references to the building’s past use, including water troughs symbolising the creation of steam; a lighting installation based on an electric current; and a solid granite concierge desk inspired by the coal that once powered the capital.

The redevelopment of the Lots Road Power Station delivers 260 luxury, Thames-side apartments within the heart of Chelsea. With its vast, elegant arched windows and towering chimneys that soar 275ft above the Thames, the building is considered a cathedral of the industrial age, once powering the London Underground and the movement and expansion of the capital. Today, Lots Road is the last of London’s three power stations to be redeveloped (along with Battersea and Bankside – now the Tate Modern), bringing a once-thriving building back to life with a renewed purpose.

The Power Station is one part of the larger ‘Chelsea Waterfront’ development, which includes two towers of 37 and 25 storeys; and low-rise apartments situated on the river’s edge surrounded by landscaped gardens which are publicly accessible, opening up 400m of waterfront to the public.