ARCHITECTURAL FOCUS incorporates, bleacher seating, edible planting, catenary lighting, and views across the square. At the opposite side, facing north, is an informal play space nestled within naturalistic planting and a subtly undulating landscape.
amenity-rich living environment, reflecting the wider Wood Wharf community feel.
The buildings achieved BREEAM‘ Excellent’ and sustainability strategies have been incorporated throughout by HTA’ s Sustainable Futures team. The rooms have been designed with fully openable windows to avoid the need for mechanical cooling and have been designed into the corridors and lift lobbies to bring in daylight and minimise the reliance on artificial lighting. Window reveal depths have been determined depending on the elevation of the building; on the western side, reveals are deeper up to one and a half bricks to help mitigate against solar gain, while on the eastern side where buildings are shaded by taller buildering, reveals are shallower.
The generous space is designed for both programmed and everyday use, accommodating public markets, small performances, art installations, and casual interaction. A simple palette of materials is used including resin-bound gravel, timber decking, granite kerbs and metal edging, supporting legibility and stepfree access throughout.
Planting delineates spaces and softens edges, with trees selected for seasonal interest and shade. Beds combine ornamental and shade-tolerant species with understorey mixes that support biodiversity. Several pedestrian routes cross the square improving wider access through the neighbourhood and creating dramatic long views across Canary Wharf. Rooftop terraces at 15 West Lane provide further communal space with views, raised planters, and integrated lighting.
The public realm around 3 & 15 West Lane supports year-round activity, enables a wide range of public use, and contributes to biodiversity, wellbeing, and the evolving neighbourhood character of Wood Wharf. Connecting the buildings to Union Square and Bellevue Place, the landscape supports the walkable, car-free environment and provides active frontage for ground floor retail, entrances, and amenity spaces.
Union Square is a flexible, multi-use public space designed for a minimum five-year meanwhile use. It includes a central hard-surfaced events space for exhibitions and seasonal activities, surrounded by planted edges, timber deck, and areas to sit and gather. A raised terrace, adjacent to the event space,
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