Architecture

Clare House is a considered architectural response to a sensitive brief, balancing memory, contemporary needs and context. Replacing a 1968 tower deemed unfit for habitation, the new 23-storey building and two lower-rise pavilions provide 145 homes, all for social rent. Over 70% of homes are dual or triple aspect, and 11% are wheelchair accessible, directly addressing the needs of Tower Hamlets’ diverse community. The design reinstates the urban grain, reinforcing the street edge along Sycamore and Hawthorn Avenues. A cruciform tower plan maximises daylight and ventilation while minimising footprint. The bold chequerboard façade references the nearby Cranbrook Estate, reinterpreted with crisp brickwork, clean lines and a sculptural crown that animates the skyline.

Homes are shaped around resident priorities, daylight, larger balconies, and layouts that support family life, embedded through detailed consultation. These elements now define the building’s form and internal organisation. From the reimagined ground floor to the skyline views above, Clare House balances civic scale with a human experience, offering a thoughtful approach to high density living, shaped for return and renewal.