Alison Brooks Architects Completes Red-Brick Cadence Court in King’s Cross
New mixed-use residential block features iconic arches and prefabricated construction in London.
1Architectural Landmark in London
Cadence Court, designed by Alison Brooks Architects, stands at the northern edge of Lewis Cubitt Park in King’s Cross. This mixed-use development integrates 163 residential apartments with commercial and social spaces. The building serves as a prominent new anchor point within the ongoing, large-scale regeneration of the historic London district.
2Design Inspired by History
The building’s red-brick facade pays direct homage to the nearby St Pancras Station. Two-storey-tall arches define the ground level, serving as a civic welcoming gesture while referencing local gothic architectural traditions. These arches create an animated silhouette, distinguishing the structure from the surrounding industrial-style office blocks and modern residential developments.
3Innovative Prefabrication Strategy
The construction process utilized a Design for Manufacture and Assembly approach to ensure efficiency and precision. Approximately 85 percent of the building’s total components were prefabricated off-site before assembly. This method allowed for the complex five-sided geometry of the block to be executed while maintaining strict quality control across the site.
4Pentagonal Form and Layout
The building features a unique five-sided plan that eliminates the traditional distinction between front and back elevations. It rises into two distinct towers reaching 12 and 16 storeys respectively. This angular configuration ensures that each facet of the pentagon maintains a specific identity and address relative to its immediate urban surroundings.
5Central Courtyard and Connectivity
At the heart of the structure lies an open-air courtyard featuring a reflecting pool and sheltered walkways. This space acts as a shared circulation hub, connecting private residential areas with commercial zones. The design aims to foster visual and physical connectivity between the building’s interior and the wider King’s Cross city grid.
6Commercial and Social Integration
The first two floors dedicate 633 square metres to commercial and social programming, including a community living room. This space opens directly onto the central courtyard to encourage interaction. A prefabricated lift system provides access to the upper residential levels, where units offer views of both the courtyard and the street.
7Interior and Residential Features
The residential units benefit from a mix of rectangular and arched windows that maximize natural daylight. Interiors are finished with white walls, creating a contrast with the red-brick exterior. Residents also have access to private balconies and communal roof terraces, providing outdoor space that overlooks landmarks like the nearby Coal Drops Yard.
8Context of Urban Regeneration
Cadence Court is a key component of the King’s Cross master plan, joining other major projects like the Google office building. By focusing on a northern arrival point, the project shifts the focus of the area’s development. It successfully balances high-density housing with the industrial heritage of the surrounding London site.