Boutique Residential Development on London’s South Bank
At PARKdesigned Architects, we are pleased to have been appointed on a boutique residential development located on London’s South Bank. While our studio is based in Leeds, this project reflects the breadth of our work across the UK and reinforces our expertise in delivering carefully considered, design-led schemes in sensitive and historic contexts.
This development presents an exciting opportunity to bring new life to a redundant Grade II listed warehouse, combining the character and authenticity of the existing structure with a contemporary architectural response. The scheme is rooted in a clear design principle: to respect and enhance heritage assets while delivering high-quality, sustainable homes suited to modern living.
Heritage Meets Contemporary Design
Working with listed buildings requires a considered and rigorous approach. The existing warehouse forms the heart of the proposal, with its historic fabric carefully retained and celebrated. Our design seeks to preserve the building’s industrial character, maintaining key architectural features that define its identity while adapting it for residential use.
Alongside the retained structure, the scheme introduces two new warehouse-inspired buildings. These have been carefully designed with subtle setbacks, ensuring they respond sensitively to the surrounding context while allowing the original building to remain prominent within the streetscape.
This balance between old and new is something we frequently explore as architects in Leeds and across the UK. It is a process that requires both technical expertise and a strong design narrative to ensure the development feels cohesive rather than fragmented.
Materiality and Architectural Language
The material palette has been selected to reinforce the industrial heritage of the site while ensuring longevity and quality. The proposals incorporate:
Traditional London brickwork to tie the new elements into the local context
Metal casement windows that echo the warehouse aesthetic
Reclaimed materials to reduce environmental impact and enhance character
Carefully detailed façades that provide depth, rhythm and visual interest
This approach ensures that the new buildings sit comfortably alongside the existing structure, creating a unified architectural language that feels both authentic and contemporary.
Creating Sustainable Urban Living
Sustainability is a fundamental consideration in all of our projects. For this scheme, the re-use of the existing warehouse significantly reduces embodied carbon, while the new-build elements are designed to meet modern environmental standards.
The development will deliver nine high-quality residential units, each designed to maximise natural light and spatial efficiency. In addition, a shared rooftop terrace provides valuable external amenity space, encouraging a sense of community among residents while making the most of views across the South Bank.
At ground level, the introduction of a green mews courtyard enhances biodiversity and provides a welcoming, landscaped environment for both residents and the wider community. This focus on public realm is essential in urban residential design, helping to create places that are not only functional but genuinely enjoyable to inhabit.
A Leeds Architects’ Perspective
Although this project is located in London, it reflects the same design ethos we apply to our work as architects in Leeds. We believe that successful developments are those that respond intelligently to their context, balance commercial viability with design quality, and create long-term value for clients and communities alike.
Our experience across commercial, residential, and mixed-use sectors allows us to approach each project with a holistic understanding of both design and delivery. Whether working on listed buildings, new-build developments, or complex urban sites, we focus on producing architecture that is logical, well-resolved and enduring.
Looking Ahead
We are excited to see this scheme progress and to continue developing the design in collaboration with the wider project team. Projects of this nature highlight the importance of thoughtful, context-driven architecture and the opportunities that exist in reimagining historic buildings for contemporary use.
If you are considering a residential or mixed-use development and are looking for architects in Leeds with experience in heritage, sustainability and high-quality design, we would be pleased to discuss your project.