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Prestigious architecture firm Foster + Partners has already embedded several of their works into London's ever-changing cityscape. 30 St. Mary Axe and London City Hall have become icons of contemporary architecture due to their unorthodox shapes and sleek glass exteriors. Foster's latest project in the city embraces these elements again in a new mixed-use complex called Principal Place. The scheme consists of residential, office, and retail programs surrounding a new public piazza.
The development brings Brookfield Property Partners, Concord Pacific, and W1 Developments to Shoreditch in the historic East End of London. In addition to the over 20,000 square feet of retail space that will be provided and a restored heritage building, the masterplan dedicates a square lot for a 15-storey office tower. Amazon is set to occupy 430,000 square feet of the 600,000-square-foot building. Several roof terraces will enhance the under-construction building's green vision and high performance design when it opens its doors to tenants in 2017. Striking glass panels have been affixed to the lower half of the tower, while the remaining levels are left exposed for the time being.
The centrepiece of the development is the 50-storey Principal Tower. Poised to be one of Central London's tallest residential buildings, the 175-metre tower captures the synergy between the neighbouring central business district and the former industrial lands that have since been rebranded as eclectic hubs for bohemian culture. Three slim volumes of varied heights comprise the building's massing, with the central edifice becoming the tallest. Though the tower is topped by a single duplex penthouse, typical floor plates accommodate eight apartments split equally between one- and two-bedroom units. The cruciform floor plans ensure an adequate supply of daylight and city views.
Nearly every residence comes equipped with an elegant curved balcony highlighted by bronze detailing. To guarantee privacy, bedroom walls are enclosed by solid cladding panels, while the rest of the interior is glazed and protected by shading fins. A fitness centre on the first floor opens up to the public plaza via sliding glass doors. The building's swimming pool also affords views of the project's extensive public realm component. Estimated completion for the residential tower is 2018.
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