Tom and Barbara’s Good Life in west London’s Surbiton was nothing like this. The sustainable lifestyle mapped out at Crest Nicholson’s One Gallions in east London is futuristic, not homespun. The apartment buildings that make up the scheme set the tone with their names: Energis, Zenith, Solaris, Purus, Vitrum and Vison.
Those names may come straight from science fiction, but One Gallions’ zero carbon homes are set to become fact. The scheme to be constructed in London’s Docklands will include a range of environmental features and aims to demonstrate how zero carbon living can be created on a large scale. The development, which is designed by Feilden Clegg Bradley Architects, will have its own energy centre, a ‘One Planet Living’ community centre where residents can learn how to lead more environmentally friendly lives, and communal rooftop greenhouses where residents can grow their own fruit and vegetables. Such features won praise from our judges. They said of the scheme: “It shows excellent use of sustainable technology and innovative solutions towards the low and zero carbon challenge.”
Although the scheme comprises apartments, this is designed to be a balanced community suitable for family living. Family housing is provided in larger three and four bed duplex units at ground floor level. All apartments have access to high quality outdoor spaces or private gardens. The scheme will have three courtyards, a playground and a public pedestrian link.
The scheme’s tallest building, a 15-storey tower, will proclaim its environmental credentials with its rooftop photovoltaic array, and this scheme is definitely one to watch. London mayor Ken Livingston has said the scheme could help “set the standard for environmentally sustainable development across London.”
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