Orchard Wharf viewed from the Thames
1:500 massing model
Concept sketch
1:200 sectional model showing the three-storey podium and the intersection of industry, landscape, and housing.
Logistics hub working diagram
Orchard Wharf
Set between the Thames and the mouth of the River Lea, Orchard Wharf will provide homes for 2,000 people and serve as a logistics hub for river-borne freight, reinstating the area’s historic working relationship with the Thames.
Three distinct uses
Sited at the eastern edge of the historic East India Dock Basin, Orchard Wharf sits at the centre of Leamouth Peninsula’s emerging new neighbourhood and the only remaining undeveloped space on the peninsula. Working alongside Aukett Swanke (Wharf Architects), our challenge was to combine three distinct uses (a wharf logistics hub, student accommodation and affordable housing) into a unified neighbourhood.
Industrial and contextual
Our approach reinforces the strong industrial character that has emerged across Leamouth Peninsula over the last decade. Referencing historic warehouses and the contemporary loft architecture of adjacent developments, the use of precast components and robust brick throughout further embeds the project within its context.
Grounded by a 3-storey podium and ranging in height from 9 to 25 storeys, the massing responds to the undulating building height of Goodluck Hope, resolving and balancing the skyline. The podium is home to shared amenity spaces—lighter, playful elements that stand out as moments in the townscape, creating a lively place for residents and students to congregate. Furthermore, the public realm will open up pedestrian routes to the Thames Path and East India Dock Basin.
Distribution of goods
Pivotal to meeting the co-location aspirations of the London Plan is the integration of the wharf logistics hub. When complete, the warehouse is due to be operated by Thames Clippers Logistics as part of the GLA’s strategy to develop a sustainable high-speed river freight logistics service, transporting cargo on behalf of local businesses, from which “last mile” distribution will occur using small, all-electric vehicles.
A mixed community
Creating a community of over 2,000, Orchard Wharf will help address two of London’s most pressing housing needs. Responding to the demand for quality affordable housing, Orchard Wharf comprises over 200 high-quality homes, including larger-sized family homes with doorstep play space and access to landscaped open spaces.
Although one of the world’s leading destinations for higher education, there remains a shortage of well-priced, well-serviced student housing in the city. Orchard Wharf’s new student village with over 1,300 rooms will help ease demand across the wider rental market and support the city’s role as a global centre of learning.
Throughout the neighbourhood, boundaries between industry, family homes, and student living are subtly overlapped by shared community spaces on the roof of the logistics warehouse, offering spectacular river views, and at the entrance to a ground-level atrium hub where a café will connect students with neighbouring communities.
Orchard Wharf represents a unique solution for the London Borough of Tower Hamlets and a new model for London.
| Client | Regal London | ||||
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| Location | Leamouth, London | ||||
| Size | Site area – 2.35 ha; Safeguarded wharf and logistics centre – 7,524 sq m; Open space – 7,400 sq m | ||||
| Status | Current | ||||
| Homes | 208 affordable homes; 1,365 student beds | ||||
| Awards | New London Awards 2024 – Mixed-use category – highly commended | ||||
| Team |
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David Reid | Michael Mee |
