Orchard Wharf

Location
Tower Hamlets, London, E14

Architect
BUJ Architects

Clients
Galliard Homes
O’Shea Group

Sector
Residential Developments

Landmark living in London Docklands with cascading architecture and rooftop terraces.

Orchard Wharf is a major residential and mixed-use development located on the west bank of the River Lea near East India Docks. This vibrant community includes 338 apartments, duplexes, and penthouses, with amenities such as a café, retail space, courtyard gardens, rooftop terraces, and recreational areas.

The site comprises a 23-storey tower alongside cascading stepped blocks, linked by a two-storey podium at ground level. Beneath the entire development is a single-storey basement, providing parking and essential plant facilities. The project transforms a former industrial site into a dynamic urban neighborhood, enhancing connectivity and public spaces.

The site presented several significant constraints that required careful engineering solutions. Its location adjacent to the River Thames and the Docklands Light Railway posed challenges related to ground movement, vibration, and construction sequencing.

Additionally, proximity to the Blackwall Tunnel approach road necessitated strict coordination with transport authorities to ensure minimal disruption. The presence of historic industrial foundations and contamination from previous site use also required remediation and ground improvement strategies.

Orchard Wharf features a reinforced concrete frame with flat slabs and blade columns, optimising space and load distribution. Transfer structures at ground and second floors accommodate column layout changes above the basement car park, while a piled raft foundation manages ground conditions and mitigates settlement risks. Cantilevered slabs and pre-cast systems ensured stability near the East India Dock Tunnel while reducing build time. The engineering design required extensive coordination with Thames Water, TfL, and the Canals & Rivers Trust.

Photography
Tim Fisher