York Way, Kings Cross

Project description

This 8-storey building on a prominent site in the heart of one of London’s most important regeneration areas includes a 2-storey basement and provides 15,000m² of space incorporating flexible offices, a communal business hub and wine cellars.

The design was inspired by the Victorian warehouses of the area but re-imagined with contemporary patterned brickwork to provide visual interest and texture.  Large format Critall windows and boldly expressed rainwater pipes add to the warehouse typological features in the composition.  Internally, the development includes an expansive artwork in the resin flooring across the non-storage spaces inspired by quantum physics.

The steel frame primary structure is clad in metal composite panels and faced in brickwork laid in a variety of bond types and incorporates relief patterns to create the textured facades.

The building footprint fills the constrained city centre site with a number of party wall conditions which added complexity to design of the foundations and basement as well as requiring sensitive negotiation with neighbours.  To help manage the limited space on site, the steel frame was designed to be delivered to site in phases. Other trade activities also followed a phased construction programme which required careful site management by the contractor as well as consideration of sequencing by the design team.

The scheme has achieved BREEAM “excellent”.  Sustainability measures include a green roof, SUDS, PV panels and air source heat pumps.