Angel Waterside

Angel Waterside achieved a Lifetime Homes standard and was constructed using reinforced concrete frame. This allows for the adaptation of internal walls, so as the needs of residents change they can adapt the internal layout of their apartments. This gives the opportunity for a more consistent community within the development over time.

Other construction methods took advantage of cutting edge technology – prefabricated bathroom pods, roof panels and balconies took less time to install and therefore cost less.
 

Internal and external spaces

Internally, the developers invested in four circulation cores despite the fact that statutory minima required only two. This avoids the monotonous corridors and means that residents benefit from a smaller number of apartment entrances on each floor. It also allows dual aspect apartment layouts which should increase safety and encourage neighbourliness.

All apartments benefit from external private space, either in the form of balconies, which are big enough to sit out on, or small gardens for the affordable maisonettes in the northern block. In addition, the design response to the site was altered to reflect the two different sides of the building.

On the street side, the parapet roofline was kept to five storeys to match the building heights of buildings opposite. The building was set back three metres from the pavement to give more space and light to pedestrians. This void acts as a public/private buffer zone and is used as ramp access to the office space below. White render panels blend with projecting glazed bays which jut out to gather the maximum of sunlight and warmth for residents. Each glazed bay is protected by louvered powder coated aluminium screens.

On the canal side, large glazed elevations are punctuated by recessed and projecting balconies which maximise views of the park and waterside. Zinc cladding creates a visual link to nearby Diespeker Wharf and Crystal Wharf. The walls of the office space are fully glazed on both sides of the building, so passing pedestrians can glimpse right through the building to the park and water beyond.
 

Other features

Clarke Associates designed the public park along the canal. This is specified to a high quality, with concrete pavers and planters, coated aluminium and timber benches and mature planting including London plane trees. The park has been fully adopted and will be maintained in the long term by the London Borough of Islington.

The southern-most block incorporates a 24 hour concierge in the main entrance. This increases security for the whole development and the concierge liaises between residents and the building management company. Cleaning and maintenance is funded by an annual service charge.