This second phase of Canning Towns Rathbone Market redevelopment comprises 165 new homes, 12,000 sq ft of retail space, a new community building and two new public squares, one of which will form the centrepiece of the finished scheme and permanent home for Rathbone Market, and the other a new landscaped entrance to the existing subway beneath the Newham Way. The proposals improve pedestrian links within the locality and realise significant environmental benefits.
CZWG Architects have chosen to use Lignacites Roman Brick, a much tougher cladding material of polished concrete blockwork for the ground floor areas. The Roman Brick material provides inherent strength and a smooth tactile surface at the point at which people come into close contact with the building.
The Roman Brick is being used extensively at lower levels, including the entire subway entrance area and for the street planters. It is also be used to clad one of the 12 storey tower blocks.
The chosen Roman Brick has been made incorporating recycled brown glass and flint, adding interest and colour to the matrix and highlighting the colours of the rainscreen cladding above.
Photographs courtesy of CWZG Architects - www.czwgarchitects.co.uk