Completed in 1967 for the London County Council, the iconic Grade II*-listed brutalist block, has been under renovation for the last few years under the discerning eyes of englightened developer Londonewcastle, Studio Egret West (SEW) and Ab Rogers Design (ARD). Erno Goldfinger, 1965-7, Grade II*. Landscape and the sense of arrival had never been a priority here, and now at last the concrete is set off by rich and wildlife-friendly gardens which reconnect the tower with the surrounding streets and with the A12 that passes close by. Balfron Tower Carmen Street In a joint venture with Poplar HARCA and London Newcastle, Telford Homes is collaborating with Studio Egret West and Ab Rogers Design to comprehensively and sensitively restore, this Grade 2 listed residential landmark. Balfron Tower, a Grade II Listed 27-storey building, is an iconic symbol of ‘Brutalist’ architecture, designed by the celebrated architect Ernö Goldfinger in the 1960s. Finishes vary, but all the flats have underfloor heating, sprinkler systems and generous balconies. Balfron Tower show apartment by 2LG Back to Case Studies Located in East London, this Grade II* listed Brutalist residential tower is currently being brought back to life by developer Londonewcastle , and architects Studio Egret West who have been part of a renovation … Balfron Tower is a collection of 146, one, two, three and four bedroom apartments in one of London's most iconic brutalist buildings, located within the heart of Poplar and its regeneration area. As our cities become denser, more efficient and now increasingly controlled due to the implications of the coronavirus pandemic, so too grows the imperative for our wellbeing to introduce impromptu opportunities to engage playfully with our surroundings. London. This freed up space within the service tower to provide, in a more modern form, the community facilities that Goldfinger once envisaged and to add others. Client: LondoNewcastle Architect: Studio Egret West. The scheme would strip out all the existing flat plans – except for Balfron Tower, a Grade II Listed 27-storey building, is an iconic symbol of ‘Brutalist’ architecture, designed by the celebrated architect Ernö Goldfinger in the 1960s. By prioritising community spaces and encouraging chance meetings and organised events, we’ve given people reasons to come together and reasons to get to know one another. Exterior photos: Studio Egret West. Architect. The site at ground level, prior to our work, Our vision for the communal facilities - CGIs by Binyan Studios. But upgrading the tower and rethinking the way it connects with its surroundings isn’t just about embodied energy and running costs. To transform the 27-storey building into a modern residence, Studio Egret West and Ab Rogers Design are each responsible for the design of 50 per cent of the homes. A couple of colourful doors to two show apartments have opened in Ernö Goldfinger’s 27-storey Balfron Tower in London. Balfron Tower was designed by legendary architect Erno Goldfinger, and constructed in 1967. Jake Curtis. Inside, the 146 flats feel spacious and light, with a choice of remodelled open-plan interiors created by designer Ab Rogers, son of architect Richard Rogers, and Studio Egret West. We have a lot in common, but it’s our differences that make our Studio the intensely social, productive place it is. We’ve worked with, not against, what’s already here. INTRO. That keeps the conversation flowing and the ideas coming. Balfron Tower is a collection of 146, one, two, three and four bedroom apartments in one of London's most iconic brutalist buildings, located within the heart of Poplar and its regeneration area. Collect Project . Our role encompassed the landscape architecture as well as the architecture, and giving this landmark building a second life was always about taking a broader view. Sydney Melbourne Brisbane New York London Los Angeles. There’s also a partnership with artist Ryan Gander, who has developed a set of doormats, door numbers and doorbell sounds, all based on original Goldfinger documents. It is now Grade II* Listed, and there’s a renewed appreciation of Brutalist buildings like this one. Meanwhile, Ab Rogers Design used bolder mid-century-influenced hues – a charcoal grey kitchen matched with icy blue flooring, white walls, plus an impactful red bathroom ceiling. The knock-on effects are social, economic and environmental. Studio Egret West’s approach to Balfron Tower has been informed by conservation; respecting the external fabric of the building, restoring the internal communal spaces, and reinstating the concrete cornice and chimneys. Balfron Tower was built between 1965 and 1967 and was Grade II-listed in 1996, a designation upgraded to Grade II* in October 2015. The Balfron Tower proposals developed by Studio Egret West are linked with the sale of the block onto the private market. After careful restoration, Balfron Tower has a new lease of life to take it into its second half-century. Meanwhile, Ab Rogers Design used bolder mid-century-influenced hues – a charcoal grey kitchen matched with icy blue flooring, white walls, plus an impactful red bathroom ceiling. This significantly reduces the building’s carbon footprint and will ensure it performs well in the long term. 27 Oct 2015 – The Twentieth Century Society has called for the scrapping of plans by Studio Egret West and Ab Rogers to revamp Erno Goldfinger’s Balfron Tower. The lifts are re-clad in polished concrete, stainless steel and birch plywood, opening up into refurbished lobbies with a bold graphic identity based on the building’s original signage and period colours. Our approach has been one of ‘constructive conservation’ and of respect for the Brutalist aesthetics. Architects Studio Egret West (SEW) and Ab Rogers Design (ARD) have overseen the update, with Brody Associates creating signage and graphic identity. We're all to blame … Inside, the 146 flats feel spacious and light, with a choice of remodelled open-plan interiors created by designer Ab Rogers, son of architect Richard Rogers, and Studio Egret West. This project involves the refurbishment and repair of a Grade II* listed brutalist architecture 29-storey tower constructed in 1962 that has been designed by Erno Goldfinger. A couple of colourful doors to two show apartments have opened in Ernö Goldfinger’s 27-storey Balfron Tower in London. Designed by modernist architect Ernő Goldfinger in 1967, it forms a bold presence in London’s East End. Balfron Tower is a collection of 146, one, two, three and four bedroom apartments in one of London's most iconic brutalist buildings, located within the heart of Poplar and its regeneration area. Starting from the premise that play is first and foremost an attitude before it becomes an activity, this snapshot of Studio Egret West’s work demonstrates where play is an antidote to the rigid, repetitive actions of daily life. We’ve preserved and celebrated Balfron Tower, improved the setting of next-door Carradale House – also by Goldfinger – and enhanced the Balfron Tower Conservation Area. To make the entrance lobby a more inviting space, we’ve reconfigured the core, lifts and refuse chutes. The Balfron Tower scheme is designed by Londonewcastle and not AHMM or Studio Egret West to my knowledge. We’ve given residents a more sustainable way of living – in greener, healthier surroundings. Guided by Goldfinger’s original vision, we’ve worked with developers Londonewcastle, with Historic England and with the London Borough of Tower Hamlets to bring the tower into the twenty-first century. Designed in 1967 by legendary architect Ernö Goldfinger, the Grade II* listed building was lauded as one of the era’s most innovative examples of residential design. Working with joint venture partners, Poplar HARCA and Telford Homes, and architects, Studio Egret West together with Ab Rogers Design, the project will preserve and restore 146 apartments in this renowned Brutalist Grade II* listed tower. The architectural elements of Balfron Tower are being handled by two London-based studios, led by SEW (Studio Egret West) with ARD (Ab Rogers Design) working on interiors. But times have changed. Balfron Tower. Our work on Balfron Tower has been an exercise in making the most of the embodied energy of the existing materials and respecting Goldfinger’s legacy. Studio Egret West and Ab Rogers Design, we have developed solutions that will enable the fabric of the … Studio Egret West. Visit website. Studio Egret West "We couldn't stop Balfron Tower from being privatised. Studio Egret West’s approach to Balfron Tower has been informed by conservation; respecting the external fabric of the building, restoring the internal communal spaces, and reinstating the concrete cornice and chimneys. Balfron Tower is a 26-storey, Grade II* listed building designed by brutalist architect Erno Goldfinger in 1967. Tower Hamlets council voted unanimously in favour of refurbishment plans for the 27-storey Brutalist building, drawn up by Studio Egret West and Ab Rogers Design.. Places that cultivate sustainable communities, amplify nature, prioritise the public realm, and evolve over time. Every part of the fabric of the building has been brought up to modern standards – for fire prevention, acoustics, waterproofing and thermal insulation – through careful restoration and sympathetic replacement. Studio Egret West’s approach to Balfron Tower has been informed by conservation; respecting the external fabric of the building, restoring the internal communal spaces and reinstating the concrete cornice and chimneys. Balfron Tower – for Londonewcastle and Telford Homes – has won the Conversion/Refurbishment Project of the Year, whilst Birch House – for Berkerley Group - was named Multi-Storey Development of the Year (+17 stories). Playable – Examining the role of play in the built environment for all ages. It isn’t just about the tower but about the whole estate. Places that cultivate sustainable communities, amplify nature, prioritise the public realm, and evolve over time. The Modern structure was seen as Britain’s boldest embodiment of the Brutalist movement. This project involves the refurbishment and repair of a Grade II* listed brutalist architecture 29-storey tower constructed in 1962 that has been designed by Erno Goldfinger. We’ve remodelled the existing access corridors to make them open and bright. Working with joint venture partners, Poplar HARCA and Telford Homes, and architects, Studio Egret West together with Ab Rogers Design, the project will preserve and restore 146 apartments in this renowned Brutalist Grade II* listed tower. A restoration of Ernö Goldfinger’s 1967 iconic modernist design for Balfron Tower in collaboration with Studio Egret West and Brody Associates. Collect Project . Tags Balfron Tower Ernő Goldfinger Housing Poplar Refurbishment Twentieth Century Society Studio Egret West 1160 - Balfron Tower. As you approach the tower, a beam of light shepherds you safely across the drawbridge, towards the entrance and into the building. We're … London’s brutalist Balfron Tower designed by Ernö Goldfinger is brought back to life by architects including Studio Egret West and Brody Associates Completed in 1967, the Balfron Tower, as well as the low-rise Carradale House alongside it, remains one of the best-known works of the legendary modernist provocateur Ernö Goldfinger. Ernö Goldfinger’s 27-storey Balfron Tower in east London had fallen into disrepair and out of favour. Studio Egret West has been appointed as architects to realise the vision to give a new lease of life to the building and its surroundings. Studio Egret West worked with interior designers 2LG for its apartment (pictured top), embracing soft pastel shades with fluted glass and aluminium accents. A restoration of Ernö Goldfinger’s 1967 iconic modernist design for Balfron Tower in collaboration with Studio Egret West and Brody Associates. The divisions between private and public spaces have been softened. We design and curate places with compelling narratives and identities, places that are firmly rooted in their context and grow naturally out of it. London «BACK TO GALLERY. Jake Curtis Completed in 1967 for the London County Council, the iconic Grade II*-listed brutalist block, has been under renovation for the last few years under the discerning eyes of englightened developer Londonewcastle, Studio Egret West (SEW) and Ab Rogers Design (ARD). A complete aesthetic renovation of the Grade II* listed, 26-storey building was carried out to create a total of 146 residential apartments. Studio Egret West founding director Christophe Egret said the practice was surprised by the C20 Society’s reaction to the removal of scaffolding from Balfron Tower. New fenestration at Balfron Tower, introduced as part of Studio Egret West’s refurbishment of the grade II* building Historic England supported all of the changes proposed in the planning application, including window replacement, substantial alteration of the internal circulation and flat layouts, and replacement of the majority of surviving original internal fabric. The architectural elements of Balfron Tower are being handled by two London-based studios, led by SEW (Studio Egret West) with ARD (Ab Rogers Design) working on interiors. The Studio Egret West scheme involved the replacement of all of the windows, with the new units following a simplified fenestration pattern and a complete change of material and colour. WHEN Ernő Goldfinger built Balfron Tower in east London in 1967, he encapsulated the post-war theme of creating residential ‘streets in the sky’. Finishes vary, but all the flats have underfloor heating, sprinkler systems and generous balconies. Balfron Tower was designed by the late Hungarian architect Erno Goldfinger and originally completed in 1967. Ab Rogers Design and Studio Egret West have combined restoration, creativity and collaboration to design the interiors of two show apartments in one of London’s most iconic residential towers Ab Rogers Design show apartment at the Balfron Tower. LOCATION. To hear our different voices, read on. Studio Egret West worked with interior designers 2LG for its apartment (pictured top), embracing soft pastel shades with fluted glass and aluminium accents. Balfron Tower was designed by legendary architect Erno Goldfinger, and constructed in 1967. Client: LondoNewcastle Architect: Studio Egret West. Architects: Studio Egret West and Ab Rogers Design. 1160 - Balfron Tower. So we’re all an expert at something and a novice at something else. More about our process Studio Egret West showflat, styled by 2LG, Ab Rogers showflat, styled in collaboration with Blue Farrier. Studio Egret West appointed to Transport for London's latest design and engineering framework. Erno Goldfinger's brutalist Balfron Tower has been converted into luxury flats by Studio Egret West, but we're partly to blame says Owen Hatherley. 10/14 High end finishes . Our approach has been one of ‘constructive conservation’ and of respect for the Brutalist aesthetics. Exterior photos: Studio Egret West. New concept designs for Smithfield East & West Market buildings and Rotunda unveiled. We are Studio Egret West. Walls have come down to suit the way we live now, and the apartments has been brought fully up to date. Studio Egret West has been refurbishing Ernő Goldfinger’s 1960s Grade II*-listed building, working with interior designer Ab Rogers. Said scheme has also been approved , … As part of the stock transfer Offer from Tower Hamlets Council, Poplar HARCA promised to renovate the building internally and externally. The Premier Guarantee Excellence Awards celebrate the UK's best developments, recognising high quality homes, in design and construction. And, alongside Ab Rogers Design, we’ve rethought the layout and design of the rest of the internal spaces, both private and communal. It is the largest block belonging to the Brownfield Estate in Poplar. Erno Goldfinger's brutalist Balfron Tower has been converted into luxury flats by Studio Egret West, but we're partly to blame says Owen Hatherley. Ab Rogers Design has been appointed to work with Studio Egret West on interiors. Balfron Tower, Brownfield Estate, Poplar. London. One of each of the original flat typologies has been reinstated to Goldfinger’s original layout, preserving his original vision for future generations. Studio Egret West and Ab RogersDesign are each responsible for designing half of the 146 new residences, which range in size from one- to four-bedroom. Goldfinger’s Grade II*-listed Balfron Tower and to the 19th century Coal Drops in King’s Cross. Ab Rogers showflat, styled in collaboration with Blue Farrier Working with the community helped us understand how the public spaces, and especially the new public square, would bring the whole estate together, and we thought carefully about how the landscape around the tower would reconnect it to the wider area. We design and curate places with compelling narratives and identities, places that are firmly rooted in their context and grow naturally out of it. Designed by the modernist architect Erno Goldfinger in 1967, the building has been restored by collaborative design team, Studio Egret West and Ab Rogers Design, with a view to bring it up to 21st century standards. Residents now have access to a cinema room, table-tennis room, yoga room, dining room, library, workshop and gym. The first residents are expected to move in next spring. Erno Goldfinger’s iconic Balfron Tower will get its controversial revamp after planning permission was granted last week. We've also re-instated and decluttered the public square at the base of the tower to create a place for children to play, for adults to sit, and for the wider community to gather. They also have access to the roof to grow vegetables and fruit, and to make the most of the impressive views. The covers have started to come off at east London’s Balfron Tower and the Twentieth Century Society doesn’t like what it sees. Studio Egret West and Ab Rogers Design, we have developed solutions that will enable the fabric of the … Architect, 50/50 Interior Architecture Role with Ab Rogers Design, and Landscape Architect. Studio Egret West showflat, styled by 2LG Every part of the fabric of the building has been brought up to modern standards – for fire prevention, acoustics, waterproofing and thermal insulation – through careful restoration and sympathetic replacement. 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