Silver Tree Eco Tower, East London Housing, Royal Victoria Dock Excel, Architecture Images, Architect, Design

Silver Tree Eco Tower

London High Rise Building at Royal Victoria Dock, by ‘Excel’, Nehwam design by Studio RHE Architects

5 Apr 2011

Silver Tree Eco Tower London

Studio RHE gain planning approval for 24-storey Eco-tower

London’s Eco tower for 2012

‘Studio RHE’ announce their design for a radical new Eco-tower, marking the gateway to the new East of London, home of the 2012 Olympics

The sleek 24 storey building named ‘Silvertree’ is wrapped with coloured panels on 2 sides, which provide not only solar shading but also the electrical power from embedded photo voltaic panels and solar water heating. On the third side the building opens to reveal a green vertical forest of planting enclosing terraces and balconies.

The design architect Richard Hywel Evans said of the proposed building; “We have designed a building which utilises all of the available technologies and latest green thinking to provide not only a landmark for London, but also a low energy building. The emphasis is on truly enjoyable accommodation with larger apartments all of which have stunning views of East London and the Thames, heavily planted protected terraces, balconies and convertible sun spaces”

The Facts
‘Studio RHE’ have submitted planning drawings to the Borough of Newham, one of London’s poorest boroughs, for an unprecedented 24-storey tower in London’s Royal Victoria Dock at ‘Excel’. The proposal, named ‘SilverTree’ will form a striking addition to the London skyline and set new standards for sustainable urban design.

SilverTree incorporates the latest thinking in environmental design to greatly reduce the building’s carbon footprint. A distinct façade of curved aluminium bands provide solar and wind protection while also accommodating a vast array of photovoltaic panels producing electricity for the buildings use. Further renewable energy is provided by ground source heat pumps built into the foundations and a central biomass energy centre. High levels of insulation, closable winter gardens and the careful placing of windows and thermal shutters provide improved thermal efficiency.

The creation of high-density accommodation on Brownfield sites close to public transport links is central to the sustainable development of our cities. SilverTree proposes a diverse and concentrated development on an empty site adjacent to the Docklands Light Railway, furthering the creation of an animated local community with reduced reliance on private transport.

The scheme will provide 161 high quality, generously proportioned residential units of varying sizes, with a communal landscaped open deck at first floor. The lower levels will provide commercial offices, retail and cafés; providing employment opportunities and much needed additions to local amenities.

True sustainable design looks beyond energy efficiency, considering not just how a building’s negative effects can be limited, but also how it can make a positive environmental improvement.

SilverTree’s design allows for extensive planting on terraces and facades alongside green and brown roofs, all of which greatly increase both plant and animal life on site.

SilverTree will not only set new standards for sustainable urban design, it will also be a distinct and defining landmark for the area. The double curved facades, unique aluminium cladding systems and extensive vertical planting create a highly sculptural and tactile architecture that clearly sets it apart from other recent developments in the area. SilverTree, is an optimistic and aspirational project that aims to become a benchmark for future urban design – providing a building that is sustainable, desirable and beautiful.

Silver Tree Eco Tower London images / information from Studio RHE, architects

Studio RHE

Location: London, England, UK