major projects
Last month , the team to design and build the UK ’ s first floating ‘ village ’ in London was assembled . Carillion , joined by sustainable property developer Igloo , housing association Gemini , engineer Buro Happold and architect dRRM , will create a new water-bound community on the River Thames ’ Royal Victoria Dock .
The dock in East London has a long history , having opened in 1855 , and was a powerhouse of industry and shipping until declining after the war , but its latest chapter is somewhat more glamorous .
The 15-acre floating community proposed for this area will have 50 custom-designed homes and a variety of restaurants , shops , leisure and office space , cafes and bars , in addition to a blue water square , framed by a market square and a floating corniche .
It responds to the obvious land shortages in this crowded city , and is 100 percent floating with its walkways and all other units anchored in place by a series of piles within the dock and connected to the dock by bridges .
Dutch inspiration The design and supports take
Caption to the image
inspiration from existing floating villages in Holland , home to architect de Rijke Marsh Morgan ( dRRM ), including the IJburg , Amsterdam community , which consists of ( currently ) six artificial islands raised from the IJ Lake in the east of the city . Designed by architect Marlies Rohmer and Villanova , this Dutch town has 93 homes , ( more are to follow ), and uses the adjoining docks as pavements .
The floating homes are supported
22 September 2014