Iconic East London housing scheme has 'stunning views of Olympic Park'

Published by Jon Land for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Communities

Icona, a major housing scheme overlooking the Olympic Park in East London, is nearing completion.

Telford Homes’ residential-led, mixed-use development is one of the first schemes in the area to hand over.

It will overlook the Olympic aquatic centre and is within 300 metres of the proposed stadium.

Telford Homes acted as both developer and contractor and architects and urban designers, Stock Woolstencroft, designed and oversaw the construction of this high profile, landmark building, which made extensive use of Modern Methods of Construction and is a clear and positive sign of things to come in the Stratford area.

Icona comprises 249 units of which 87 are affordable housing for East Homes. This is a tenure blind development: the affordable homes use the same materials and aesthetic as the open market dwellings.

Three buildings comprise the development: an 18-storey tower and two other buildings at seven and four storeys. Underground parking (with 70 spaces) is provided, as is over 920sq m of commercial space, which includes a residents’ gym.

Telford Homes’ brief was for the architects to transform a derelict and decaying Brownfield site and deliver a landmark building, to act as a key driver for long-term revitalisation of the area.

After carrying out a detailed urban analysis of the emerging townscape, Stock Woolstencroft suggested a scheme clad with a brightly coloured façade to cement its prominent status.

Inspiration for the elevations came from studying the work of artist Donald Judd, particularly his use of bold, regular forms, strong colours and industrial materials.

John Fitzgerald, managing director of Telford Homes Alto said: “Icona is a true symbol of Olympian optimism - it sets a high benchmark for future development in Stratford and will help drive the economic and social regeneration of the area for years to come.”

Stock Woolstencroft partner, Derek Jay said: “It is unusual for a residential scheme to have pre-fabrication to this extent on the external façade, demonstrating how Icona pushes technical boundaries as well as architectural ones.
"The outcome is a high quality, benchmark development that local people and London can be proud of.”