NEO Bankside, London SE1

JRA delivered NEO Bankside, a series of striking residential towers designed by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners (RSHP) on London’s South Bank.

The development spans 36,232m2 and comprises five hexagonal glass and steel exo-skeletal towers, ranging from 5 to 24 storeys of high specification apartments, with luxury shared amenities, and a headquarters office building for the client, Native Land. At ground level, NEO Bankside provides a number of cafes and shops amongst landscaped public realm with easy routes between adjacent roads and public spaces.

The project presented unique challenges and JRA’s task was to develop practical and buildable solutions without compromising RSHP’s strong architectural design. NEO Bankside has been recognised with a number of prestigious awards, and was shortlisted for the RIBA Stirling Prize.

The scheme is situated on the South Bank, adjacent to Tate Modern and with views over the Thames to St Paul’s Cathedral. The design and orientation of each of the towers has been shaped to complement the surrounding buildings and make the best use of spectacular views across the river.

JRA was appointed as Executive Architect by Native Land and acted as lead consultant for contractor Carillion, working collaboratively with the design architect Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners throughout.

JRA was particularly involved at RIBA stages three and four, covering design development and technical design. The team optimised the internal layouts and successfully developed construction details that could be repeated across the complex and expansive scheme without diluting the exacting requirements of the design intent and the quality required by the client. This process was supported by JRA procuring a full scale mock up of a typical apartment to find the best way to realise the interior design concept. JRA was also responsible for procuring and developing the multitude of sub-contract packages within the projected cost plan allowance.

The design development of the cladding presented a number of unique challenges. For instance, at the apexes of each pavilion sit fully glazed panoramic winter gardens suspended off the external steel diagrid by slender six-storey high ties, providing all year round extensions to the main living spaces. On the lower floors, the winter gardens are divided between two adjacent apartments, with separating party walls that had to be designed to accommodate a potential deflection of +/- 100mm without a reduction of performance, in the event of failure of one of these tie rods. JRA worked closely with the manufacturers to develop a suitable bespoke solution.

NEO Bankside contributes to the local area through an animating range of shops, cafés and restaurants at the base of the towers. These are surrounded by landscaping from Gillespies, which is inspired by native woodlands and creates a contrast with the contemporary buildings whilst adding bio-diversity to the area. The landscaping also creates pathways through and around the site.

The development also provides a range of amenities for residents of the apartment buildings, including lift accessible underground car parking, a private gym, and a business centre.