This brightly coloured scheme is designed to stand out from the crowd. Light, colour and art provided the inspiration for the Stock Woolstencroft design, with glass and colour capturing the changing light in the waterfront setting. Telford Homes’ Matchmakers Wharf is being developed on a key east London site, on the west bank of the River Lea, bordered by Hackney Marshes and 200 yards from the boundary of the 2012 Olympic Park. The strategy for the scheme was to provide a landmark building and a series of landscaped spaces that will also encourage permeability and link the site to existing residential buildings, the river and parks. The scheme delivers more than 200 flexible and contemporary apartments ranging from studios to four-bedroom units. London & Quadrant will offer homes for rent and potentially for shared ownership. There will also be more than 3,500 square metres of commercial space, with 50 artists’ studios being made available to up and coming artists through London arts charity the ACME organisation. The latter is designed to breathe new life into the former industrial site, which was formerly occupied by the factory that produced Lesney Matchbox Toys. The residential element of the scheme comprises the Sky Apartments, a 14-storey tower with 81 homes and concierge’s foyer. Alongside it is the Emerald Apartments, a nine-storey block containing 57 homes. The scheme also incorporates a double-storey gymnasium, secure basement car parking and on-site car club facilities. Outdoor space capitalises on the views of the skyline and makes the most of the waterside setting. There are landscaped courtyards and decks, as well as roof terraces and balconies, allowing residents to enjoy private or communal outdoor areas. There will also be a play area. The buildings will have a reinforced concrete frame faced with a mix of brick, render, terracotta, metal, curtain walling and unitised cladding. A gas and biomass communal heating plant will be installed to provide energy for the whole development.
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