Architecture

The main entrance to Tillermans is a generous, glazed, double-height lobby at the foot of a 14-storey tower. This anchors the scheme to the Grand Union Canal, ensuring the building forms a landmark in the public realm with the gravitas needed to respond to an important corner site. To create an enduring look, the building has been designed with a simple external façade, using a restrained material palette of buff brickwork and black metal cladding. This is reflective of the logical and regular arrangement of the internal layout with its efficient, repeating apartments. Deep contrasts between light brick and dark metal break down the façade. The courses of brickwork have been designed to create changing patterns and textures, making a distinction between three portions of the building and creating visual interest across a 110-meter façade.

Originally, the intention was to construct Tillermans from a reinforced in situ concrete frame. We had reached detailed design when a review was undertaken at the end of Stage 3. Greystar’s student living business Chapter had completed multiple modular buildings and had gained an understanding of the benefits of the system. We were able to demonstrate that the building would only require minor revisions so it could use this efficient and sustainable approach to construction.

We put time into designing the ground floor to best serve residents and the emerging public realm. Mixed use public spaces have been wrapped around the outer façade so everyone can benefit from the new restaurants, cafes and co-working spaces. At the north end of the building a nursery has been provided to serve people living in the new build to rent homes and the wider community alike.

A crown is formed at the top of the tower with an increased floor to ceiling height and large glass openings that allow light to spill out into the public realm in the evenings. This special space is home to a new roof garden and residents’ amenities including a lounge, games room, communal kitchen, dining room, playground, and gym. Care and attention were put into the detailing of this space, extending the high-quality brick textures found on the lower floors.