Ross Langtree

Project description
This project is a mixed-use development above the A12 motorway to address London’s housing shortage, protect Wick Woodland, and improve climate resilience. There is increasing acknowledgement of the benefits of trees within cities, and the way to protect urban woodlands is to densify the existing built environment.

Here, the adaption of the motorway acts as an ecosystem engineer, improving the environment around it by reducing noise and air pollution. The proposal consists of two elements: a plinth that encloses the motorway, and several ridge buildings that rise above the plinth. The ridge buildings are perpendicular to the motorway to allow sunlight to filter into the woodland and to access either side of the motorway. The zigzag form increases sunlight to the apartments and provides a view of the woodland. Balcony planters give each apartment a personal and communal connection with nature.

Site location
Wick Woodland, Hackney