Highbury II

The design springs from the context of a rapidly developing high street, drawing inspiration from the elegant arches of the Grade I listed Holloway Road Tube station. Three columns gracefully curve at their top to form the tower elevation and the use of glazed corium tiles in a vertical bond that mimic the faience work of the station. Along Hornsey Street the building matches the brickwork of the recently completed Stapleton House opposite which in turn references the wide use of London Stock brick across Islington.

Originally designed by CZWG architects for detailed planning approval, HTA completed several work stages concurrently to change external materials. These changes take into account new regulations and internal floor plans to achieve four additional rooms on each floor and a 12% increase in the size of every room. All this whilst retaining the composition of the building’s volume and window positions. The efficiency of Tide and Vision Modular was able to unlock a site which had sat with an unrealised planning permission for 5 years. The project demonstrates the potential which comes from successful partnerships as the sixth project completed by the team of Tide and HTA.

We are enthusiastic exponents of the potential for offsite manufacture to deliver higher performing buildings, with high quality construction standards, delivered far more rapidly and more cost effectively. Highbury II is a showcase in how better modes of building can unlock constrained and previously unviable sites to deliver fantastic living space for Londoners.

The factory manufactured nature of Highbury II allows for a more diverse and inclusive workforce to contribute to London’s growth. Unlike traditional construction sites the factory allows its employees a consistent location of work, a safe work environment, flexible working hours and a range of facilities. This has a wide range of benefits for London including a ~90% reduction in site waste and 60% reduction in vehicle movements associated with construction.