This 306-home student development blends radical new construction methods with a design inspired by the surrounding conservation area.
Chapter White City, marks an important western gateway into London, on a prominent site, formerly the Savoy Cinema, that had been vacant for 20 years.
The volumetric development contains 306 student homes as well as social space, a cafe, gym, laundry and bike storage. The accommodation is arranged in an iconic seven-storey tower and basement facing Savoy Circus, flanked by two five-storey wings. These enclose a landscaped courtyard with extensive seasonal planting and light canopy trees, providing tranquil seclusion from the urban environment.
Chapter White City shows how volumetric techniques can deliver architecture of the highest quality. Located in a conservation area of early 20th-century Arts and Crafts buildings, the HTA-designed scheme draws on distinctive local forms and materials, including red and London Stock brick. The meticulous detailing includes corbelled corners, reconstituted stone window surrounds and green glazed brickwork – which, along with the aluminium Art Deco signage, pays homage to the historic Savoy cinema that once occupied the site.
Savoy Circus is a great example of what modular construction can achieve – a high quality product delivered at speed.
By building using the volumetric system, the development programme can be drastically reduced. Although volumetric units account for most of the total building area, they can be installed much more efficiently as per the diagram below:
