A modern building with yellow window frames and balconies, adjacent to older brick buildings and trees.

A modern five-story building with yellow accents on the windows and balconies, surrounded by older brick buildings and trees.

Five-story office building with yellow accents and large windows, located on a street corner with a historic clock tower in the background.
Modern office building with large windows and yellow accents.
Street view with a modern building with yellow accents and columns on the right, and older brick buildings on the left.
Curved modern building with yellow accents next to older brick buildings on a narrow street.
Building facade with yellow-framed windows and vertical ribbed columns.
Close-up view of a modern building facade featuring cylindrical columns and large windows.
Building exterior with yellow accents, columns, and balconies with yellow railings and potted plants.
Close-up of a building facade with large windows and vertical columns.
Building facade with yellow railings and cylindrical columns.
Building facade with vertical columns, textured surfaces, and a yellow accent.
Skyline of modern skyscrapers and buildings along the River Thames in London, with cranes in the background.
Office interior with wooden reception desk, terrazzo floor, and large windows with yellow frames.
Interior staircase with concrete steps, black metal railing, wooden paneling, and terrazzo flooring.
Staircase with wooden panel walls and metal railings, featuring integrated lighting.
Interior staircase with wooden walls and a skylight above.
Interior hallway with concrete walls, wooden door, and yellow-framed windows.
Interior view of a modern space with large windows, yellow accents, gray tiled floor, and linear ceiling lights.
Interior corridor with large yellow-framed windows, terrazzo floor, and cylindrical columns.
Interior of a building with large yellow-framed windows and a view of the city outside.
Interior of a modern office with yellow-framed glass doors and windows, tiled floor, and potted plants.
Wooden model of a five-story building with a curved facade and grid-like window design.
Site plan of Barge Crescent area showing streets and landmarks like the River Thames and Oxo Tower.
Floor plans showing different levels of a building with a curved shape, including interior layouts and surrounding streets.
Section drawing of a multi-storey office building with labeled office spaces on each floor.
Cross-section of a 5-storey office building with labeled areas including offices, entrance, reception, bikes, and loading bay.
Line drawing of a multi-story building with curved and angular features, showing two different perspectives.
Isometric drawing of a staircase with labeled construction details including precast concrete stair connection, in situ concrete core wall, and timber handrail.

Story

A Harmonious Integration in Southwark's Urban Fabric Barge Crescent, a 5-storey office building located in the heart of Southwark, London, architectural sensitivity and environmental mindfulness. Designed by Henley Halebrown, the project occupies a unique island site south of the Oxo Tower Wharf, adjacent to the River Thames. The building's design carefully incorporates the existing frame and foundations of a smaller predecessor, significantly reducing its environmental footprint. The architectural narrative of Barge Crescent is deeply intertwined with the concepts of well-being and urban integration. Natural ventilation systems permeate the structure, ensuring a healthy indoor environment. A generous, top-lit staircase serves as a central spine, connecting all floors and encouraging vertical movement. Each level is graced with external terraces, offering occupants a direct connection to the outdoors. The building's elevations are crafted to resonate with the surrounding streetscape, introducing a rhythm and depth that enrich the urban grain. This thoughtful approach enhances it, creating a dialogue between the old and the new.

Design Highlights

Integration of existing structural elements to minimize environmental impact Natural ventilation and top-lit staircase promoting well-being External terraces on all levels for outdoor connectivity Elevations designed to complement and enhance the urban streetscape

Key Facts

Key Aspect Detail
Location Southwark, London, UK
Architect Henley Halebrown
Year of Completion 2024
Building Type Office
Structural Engineer Waterman Group
Main Contractor Blenheim House (2022–24), Hudson (2024–25)

Technical Summary

Finishes

  • flooring: Terrazzo flooring is used in the interior spaces.
  • wall finish: Wooden paneling is used on the interior walls.

Materials

  • concrete — Used for the structural system and staircase steps.
  • wood — Used for paneling and handrails.
  • glass — Used for large windows and doors.

Construction / Systems

  • structural system: The building integrates the existing frame and foundations of a smaller structure.

Products

  • furniture — Reception Furniture — by Lore Group (Used in the reception area.)

Palette / Lighting

  • Colors: yellow accents, natural wood tones
  • Lighting: Natural lighting is emphasized with large windows and a top-lit staircase.

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