The sketches released by Wilkinson Eyre reveal elevated walkways between the buildings, recessed balconies, a central courtyard, and roof gardens that will provide tenants with views of Regent’s Canal and Central London. The plans also indicate that the buildings will have an “industrial aesthetic” and that they will be divided into wedges inspired by the face of a watch.
The gasholders were dismantled and removed from King’s Cross in 2001 to accommodate the Channel Tunnel Rail Linkconstruction project.
Related: Wilkinson Eyre wins RIBA Lubetkin Prize for innovative Guangzhou International Finance Center
The Grade II-listed structures, which are currently being restored in South Yorkshire by Shepley Engineers, were built in the 1860s, based on the designs of John Clark. In 1879, they were expanded to include the interconnected frames and telescoping lifts. They were used by the Imperial Gas, Light, and Coke Company until the late 20th Century when most of London’s heavy industry moved away from the centre of the city.
Wilkinson Eyre won the contract for the refurbishment during a 2005 design competition calling for proposals that would incorporate the tripartite frames into a residential design. The London-based firm has also been selected to refurbish another iconic industrial building in the city: The Battersea Power Station.
Via Arch Daily
Architectural images via Wilkinson Eyre Architects and historical images via Gasholders London
