Powerhouse Chelsea Waterfront property, Southwest London mixed-use development, Lots Road Power Station building photos

Powerhouse Chelsea Waterfront, London Property

21 November 2023

Unveiling the Architectural Legacy of London’s Iconic Landmark, Powerhouse

Renewal design: Farrells

Location: Chelsea Waterfront, Southwest London, England, UK

November 21st 2023 – As construction reaches a pinnacle point and the hoarding that has hidden Powerhouse from public view is gradually removed, the first glimpses of the Chelsea landmark’s restored façade are revealed. Forming the cornerstone of the 8.85-acre luxury residential development Chelsea Waterfront, set to comprise 260 luxury apartments, the re-imagination of the former Lots Road Power Station masterminded by Farrells, pays homage to the site’s heritage and industrial legacy.

Revitalised brickwork

Built in 1905 and once hailed the ‘cathedral of the industrial age’, Powerhouse is the oldest of London’s great three power stations. As the driver of the London Underground for nearly a century, the building’s original façades endured the effects of sun-weathering, coal explosions and industrial wear and tear, all whilst unfailingly supporting the tube network. Consequently, the restoration required the harmonisation of varying brick colours to marry historical charm with industrial character. Crafted by a skilled team of bricklayers, the unique blend of red bricks faithfully celebrates the original power station, a crucial component in bringing the building into the modern day.

image courtesy of architects practice

Outdoor space and panoramic views

Powerhouse’s glazed windows are an exceptionally rare feature for a power station of its era. This unique characteristic makes the building ideal for residential use, allowing the opportunity to establish homes within the original structure, setting it apart from London’s Battersea and Bankside power stations. The repurposed windows, combined with inset balconies, will play a pivotal role in enhancing residents’ living experience at Powerhouse, with more than 60% of apartments offering captivating river views. Through an ingenious use of space, the balconies have been integrated into the outer walls of the building, allowing residents to relish privacy and seclusion whilst enjoying panoramic river views.

100-meter Atrium

At the heart of Powerhouse, where the power station’s turbines once stood, a voluminous 100-meter atrium will take centre stage, blending revitalised original steelwork with strategically placed trees. Designed to evoke an intimate ‘mews’ style street, the atrium will become a vibrant hub of activity, including retail units, restaurants, and leisure spaces, maintaining its strong connection to public service.

Lots Road Power Station building in Chelsea:

photo © London Met Archives

Entrance points to the atrium will be positioned at the bases of the two 275-meter chimneys which will be restored to their former glory. Openings through the bases of each chimney will offer connections to the wider masterplan of Chelsea Waterfront via two publicly accessible bridges, enabling direct access onto the site from the Lots Road Village. One of these bridges features a poem by Simon Armitage, the poet laureate, celebrating the power station’s industrial history and renewed role in the local community. In a further nod to Powerhouse’s rich service-oriented history, retail kiosks will be positioned at the base of the chimneys, with architectural lighting details illuminating the chimneys each evening.

Lots Road Power Station in Chelsea:

photo © London Met Archives

Shevaughn Rieck, Partner at Farrells says: “As the centrepiece of the Chelsea Waterfront masterplan, Powerhouse will stitch the new community into the Lots Road Village. Historically located on a residential street marking the fringe of Chelsea, this heritage asset is today being carefully crafted and restored ready for the next chapter of its life as a collection of homes and new community hub. At its heart is the atrium, a new piece of public realm with restaurants, retail, workspace, and a new neighbourhood health facility, ensuring Powerhouse will once again be for the use and benefit of the people of London. We are genuinely excited to experience this new part of London.”

Inside Powerhouse

The grandeur of Powerhouse will be palpable from the moment you approach its imposing entrance doors, with apartments designed with expansive living areas, lifted roof spaces, distinctive bullseye windows and entrance halls that double as additional living spaces. Like its exterior, Powerhouse’s interiors have been crafted to honour the building’s industrial heritage. Dark timber accents, steel doors adorned with bronze finishes and black ironmongery curate a ‘loft living’ atmosphere, paying homage to the power station’s legacy.

Architecturally, its scale and style have set the vernacular for the wider development. Through a heritage led, collaborative design process with Historic England, the unique approach to Powerhouse’s restoration, has retained existing design qualities all whilst enhancing its permeability with the surrounding streetscape.

Powerhouse in context

The latest phase of Chelsea Waterfront, a collection of luxury apartments set across 10 buildings, Powerhouse will transform a derelict brownfield site in the borough’s biggest transformation in living memory. Residents at Powerhouse will have direct access to 400m of Thames waterfront opened to the public for the first time in 100 years, with gardens crafted by leading landscape architect Randle Siddeley to create an oasis of nature, with breath-taking views along the River Thames.

Boasting a multitude of state-of-the-art amenities, Powerhouse will be professionally managed by a concierge with 5-star services around the clock, from general house management to individual booking requests. The exclusive wellness centre, housing a a fully equipped gym, and a 20-metre swimming pool, offers a private sanctuary for exercise and relaxation. The elegantly appointed Residents’ Club Lounge with its delightful views of the river is the ideal multi-purpose space for work or social gatherings.

Two-to-four-bedroom apartments at Powerhouse start from £1,700,000.

For further information please visit www.powerhousechelsea.com

CK Asset Holdings Limited

CK Asset Holdings Limited (“CK Asset” or “the Group”) is a leading multinational corporation committed to achieving long-term sustainable growth. The Group has diverse capabilities with activities encompassing property development and investment, hotel and serviced suite operation, property and project management, pub operation and investment in infrastructure and utility asset operation.

As one of the largest property developers in Hong Kong, CK Asset has a leading market share in Hong Kong, as well as an extensive portfolio in Mainland China, and a significant presence in Singapore and the United Kingdom (UK).

In the UK, the company is responsible for the delivery of some of London’s prime riverfront developments, including Albion Riverside and Montevetro.

Hutchison Property Group (UK Ltd), the UK division of CK Asset, has been creating award-winning residential developments in London for the past 20 years and has a successful track record of rejuvenating strategic waterside locations. Current UK projects include Chelsea Waterfront and Convoys Wharf, a 43- acre site on the Thames in Deptford which will provide over 3,500 new homes.

Lots Road Power Station building:

photograph © London Met Archives

Farrells

Farrells is an established, award-winning practice providing architectural, interior design, master planning and urban design expertise for over half a century. Farrells put people at the heart of its vision to create quality places that truly make a difference to the way people live their lives.

Farrells has a unique understanding of the city and what makes a place, with a strong track record in successful planning permissions and delivering mixed-use urban developments of all scales, creating places that people want to live, work and play. Coupled with its deep love and understanding of buildings, with offices in London, Hong Kong, and Shanghai, Farrells designs’ enhance and contribute positively to their neighbourhoods.

Farrells Architects

Powerhouse Chelsea Waterfront, London apartment proprties images / information received 161022

Previously on e-architect:

16 Oct 2022