Finalist – Twickenham Riverside

In 2019, we submitted a RIBA-shortlisted competition entry for the Twickenham Riverside project, in collaboration with the award-winning and RIBA Stirling Prize-shortlisted Baynes & Mitchell Architects.

Our proposal placed nature at the heart of Twickenham Riverside by rewilding the river’s edge and creating a diverse ecological transect, extending from woodland to riparian vegetation. This design fostered a close connection between the residents and nature. Floating studios, nestled along the Arcadian Thames, activated the riverfront, creating a vibrant creative community set within a parkland environment with scenic river views.

The Twickenham Market Building, designed to link the High Street to the river, features an open market hall with a striking roof inspired by the boatyards of Eel Pie Island. This airy, covered, pedestrian space accommodates markets, shops, offices, studios, and amenities, serving as a lively hub of daytime activity. Our design reinvigorates this neglected stretch of the Thames, weaving together a rich tapestry of community life.

Sustainability was a key focus of the project, aiming for carbon neutral scheme, with the focus on a fabric-first approach to the envelope of the architecture. The buildings utilised materials sourced from the site, such as clay, and incorporated carbon-positive materials such as straw, timber and other fibre-based resources where appropriate

The Twickenham Riverside proposal sought to reconnect the community with its natural surroundings while promoting sustainability and vibrant local activity. By integrating natural building materials and fostering a creative riverside culture, the project envisioned a balanced, forward-thinking urban space rooted in environmental consciousness.