Landmark 5 Strand, BlackRock London Mixed-Use Development, Apartment Building, UK Architecture Images

Landmark 5 Strand in London

Apartment, Office and Retail Building Development, England, for Alchemi Group design by Adjaye Associates

17 Jul 2017 + 21 Nov 2016

Landmark 5 Strand

Design: Adjaye Associates

Location: The Strand, London, England

Planning granted for new prime development at 5 Strand for BlackRock

The internationally acclaimed architecture practice has been appointed by development manager Alchemi Group, on behalf of investment firm BlackRock, Inc. to redevelop the site situated at 5 Strand with a 158,000 sq. ft mixed use development.

The proposed development will include 6 floors of new Grade A, flexible office space to meet the demands of the modern office market. It will also comprise of 26 luxury residential apartments on the upper four levels and a lively public realm animated by retail at ground level.

Drawing inspiration from the surrounding Grade I and II listed buildings, the approved development will provide a contemporary architectural landmark that sympathizes with the surrounding character and language of the The Strand and immediate area.

Particular attention has been paid to ensuring height and roof lines of the new development respond appropriately to those of its neighbours, with special consideration given to the buildings visibility from Trafalgar Square and The National Gallery.

Employing a diverse palette of high quality, sustainable materials Adjaye Associates design not only demonstrates its commitment to detail and the importance of creating a relationship between the building and its surroundings, but also its consideration to the buildings environmental credentials. The new development aspires to a 35% carbon reduction through the use of high performance building fabric and glazing as well as low to zero carbon technologies and smart building systems. The commercial office workspace will also target BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certification.

The new development will also deliver an improved streetscape and public realm for the famous London thoroughfare. A cantilevered retail colonnade, positioned at street level, has been introduced as a contemporary re-interpretation of the arch motifs frequently used in the locality but also to provide passive control measures – opening up the ground plane to provide a clear and generous public conduit from The Strand to Charing Cross.

Speaking of the announcement Sir David Adjaye said: “This is not only an exciting opportunity to revitalise an historic London site through the creation of an exemplar mixed use development. The development will also begin to restore The Strands architectural confluence as a core power axis in line with that of The Mall, Whitehall and Pall Mall.”

Laura Marino, Creative Director and Co-Founder of Alchemi Group commented “To say we are thrilled to have achieved planning for the client is an understatement. The architecture speaks for itself and is unlike what is currently being built across London. It was crucial to come up with a building that addresses the importance of the site itself and would stand on its own without overshadowing its immediate surroundings nor the conservation area. Adjaye Associates also skillfully met the demands of a rigorous design process which has led to an outstanding mixed-use development.”

Landmark 5 Strand

Development Managers, Alchemi Group on behalf of BlackRock Real Estate today announced that they have submitted a planning application for the redevelopment of 5 Strand, WC2 into a mixed-use building. Designed by internationally acclaimed architects Adjaye Associates, the new development will re-provide circa 62,000 sq ft of Grade A office space accessed via an impressive, double height reception. In addition, the building will provide (from the 7th floor and above) 26 premier apartments with a separate, concierge manned entrance on Craven Street and will have two retail units at ground floor level.

“These proposals will transform the currently poor quality streetscape and public realm with provision for retail and café uses, which combined with the impressive façade detail will enhance the character of the Trafalgar Square Conservation Area. The professional team, led by development manager Alchemi Group, have incorporated detailed guidance from planning officers, Westminster City Council and numerous stakeholders in developing the final design. The result will be an outstanding building of extremely high quality.” Paul Tebbit, BlackRock’s UK real estate business.

“From the moment we were appointed on this outstanding project we knew that an exceptional design, befitting of its landmark location, would be of paramount importance. After holding a private competition, we appointed Adjaye Associates, who have just unveiled The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, in Washington, D.C. We listened carefully to the feedback from planning officers and Westminster City Council, and the end result is, we believe, a truly outstanding building befitting this prestigious location.” Co-founder and Creative Director at Alchemi Group, Laura Marino.

“The opportunity to work on the Strand, adjacent to the iconic Trafalgar Square, is an immense honour and one that I do not take lightly. My team and I have undergone rigorous investigation into the history and development of this crucial piece of London’s urban fabric. Blackrock and Alchemi Group has been an incredible partner in this process. I am very proud of the resulting design, which draws from the architectural rhythms and forms of the context to produce something both modern and contextual, elegant and distinctive.” David Adjaye, Principal of Adjaye Associates