30 Marsh Wall

City of London

30 Marsh Wall is a purpose-built student accommodation building providing 1,069 studios within a 48-storey tower on the Isle of Dogs, London Borough of Tower Hamlets.

The form of the tower responds to the site’s triangular nature, the proximity of adjacent buildings and the significant level change across the site. EPR’s design also makes substantial improvements to the public realm around the building, which has been developed with Space Hub Design as part of a wider landscaping strategy to increase pedestrian permeability and enhance biodiversity on the Isle of Dogs.

Set within a neighbourhood of tall residential buildings, the architecture of 30 Marsh Wall has been developed to distinguish itself from a distance. A strong vertical feature on the principal façade identifies the entrance, rises the full height of the building and continues to form a crowning feature. This feature is repeated on the opposite elevation to form a visual connection between the façades. A secondary horizontal articulation has been introduced at every level which varies in depth to provide solar shading where required.

The elevations are composed of a light bronze aluminium for the vertical and horizontal features with a white glazed terracotta infill panel. The terracotta has been designed as a bespoke profile for the project and creates a vertical undulating pattern around the building. At close proximity, a secondary articulation to the terracotta profile becomes apparent which adds depth, richness and character. The white glaze transitions to a dark bronze to form a continuous plinth around the base of the building.

30 Marsh Wall has been designed with sustainability at its core. Modular construction has several environmental benefits; streamlined design and efficient production reduce waste to landfill up to 80% compared to traditional construction. Furthermore, far less time is required on site, which reduces disruption to neighbours and improves air quality during the construction process.

Set within a neighbourhood of tall residential buildings, the architecture of 30 Marsh Wall has been developed to distinguish itself from a distance. A strong vertical feature on the principal façade identifies the entrance, rises the full height of the building and continues to form a crowning feature.