spire london: tallest residential skyscraper in western europe

‘spire london’, designed by global architecture firm HOK, is a residential tower that is set to soar to a height of 235 meters (771 feet) comprising a total of 67-storeys. once complete, the high-rise will become the tallest residential skyscraper in both the UK, and in western europe. the tower will provide 861 apartments, with 765 set for private sale.

all images courtesy of greenland group

located on hertsmere road, adjacent to canary wharf and west india quay, spire london has been designed by HOK architects larry malcic and christopher colosimo, with nicola fontanella of argent design responsible for the tower’s interiors. the project is being led by greenland group, one of china’s largest residential developers.

an aerial view of the canary wharf site

offering panoramic views across london, the design references the nautical history of the site, as well as the orchid, a flower cultivated in china for more than 3,000 years. three petals form the spire, creating faceted glass façades with ‘prow’ and ‘bow’ contours. the angled roof of the tower allows for external terraces in the premier and penthouse apartments, while louvers allow for natural ventilation throughout the building.

the design references the nautical history of the area

bronze-colored metal detailing on the lower floors has been specified to complement the existing tan brickwork of the adjacent historic buildings around the dock basin. surrounding the tower, a new public realm features a paved plaza, entrance driveways, birch trees, sculptural benches, and to the northeast of the tower, a dancing fountain.

bronze-colored metal detailing has been specified to complement the existing brickwork

the tower’s lobby has been designed to recall the quality and appearance of a boutique hotel with a 6 meter (19.7ft) high ceiling, columns, feature lighting, lounge seating and concierge with an orchid petal-shaped reception desk. the lobby features an aquamarine, white and bronze color scheme, with terrazzo flooring and rugs which echo the shape of the thames. nine passenger lifts transport residents to the private apartment floors, with the waiting time for an elevator just 30 to 35 seconds.

the tower’s lobby has been designed to recall the quality and appearance of a boutique hotel

private apartments are located on the eighth to 66th floors, with sizes ranging from 50 square meters (538 sqf), for a one-bedroom apartment, to 150 square meters (1,615 sqf) for a three-bedroom duplex. apartments offer bright open interiors with 2.6 meter (8.5ft) high ceilings in the living spaces and bedrooms bordered by floor-to-ceiling windows. premier and penthouse apartments are found on storeys 56 to 66, where the angled roof offers the opportunity to use external space as private roof terraces.

the entrance to the 235 meters-tall tower

spire london will also provide a range of lifestyle amenities, including a spa with a swimming pool, lounge areas and a jacuzzi. there is also a gymnasium and fitness studio with changing facilities. a club room has a central cocktail bar, lounge seating and feature wine displays, while the cinema provides the a venue for entertaining, and has automated blinds.

the scheme is located on hertsmere road, adjacent to west india quay

‘spire london will create a new iconic landmark on the london skyline,’ says yuliang zhang, chairman and president of greenland group. ‘this tower will be western europe’s tallest residential building and underlines london’s enduring status as a world-class city and destination. this is greenland group’s most important project in europe, and will deliver exceptional new homes for londoners.’

surrounding the tower, a new public realm includes a paved plaza

construction of spire london has already begun with above-ground demolition work already undertaken. piling for the tower will begin in january 2017 with the tower scheduled to reach the halfway point in height during the summer of 2018. completion is slated for 2020.

the angled roof offers the opportunity to use external space as private roof terraces