Construction starts on Will Alsop's Heliport Heights in London

Image courtesy of aLL Design

The last major project of the late Will Alsop, aLL Design's residential tower is intended to fill the unsightly gap on London's south bank skyline and provide wonderful views across the River Thames.

The studio will refurbish and re-clad the existing building to bring life into the city. The 3,722m² tower will include 14 apartments, all with two large balconies and river views. Thirteen apartments will each occupy an entire floor plate and the top unit will be a duplex with a large roof terrace.

Optimal panoramic flat

"The forms within the building are imperative to the design. The curved plan helps to create an optimal panoramic flat. The taper towards the top and the bottom gives the overall form an organic and elegant shape," said aLL Design.

Image courtesy of aLL Design

"It also provides an ideal reduction of floor plate for a duplex penthouse. The tower will be clad in weathered steel, which weathers to a warm rusty appearance. The form of the mirrored conference pod and the white 'underbelly' provide playful reflective surface for street life."

The tower is being developed to become a new landmark in the city, by helping to create a more liveable and attractive neighbourhood. "It features an art gallery in the lobby which we hope to become a destination in its own right and the unusual design aims to foster enthusiasm for architecture," added the studio.

Colourful balconies

Image courtesy of aLL Design

The exterior façade of the tower will be covered with a series of orange-coloured panels of weathering steel, with plenty of colourful balconies.

Commonly known for his playful, sculptural and artful forms, Will Alsop used the same architectural language in his latest design, like with the Peckham Library, the Sharp Centre for Design, and Ontario College of Art & Design in Toronto, Canada.

Alsop passed away on 12 May 2018, aged 70. He was considered one of the greatest contemporary British architects along with the likes of Norman Foster and Richard Rogers.

Article originally published on World Architecture Community.