WME8 & Canal Place

Location
Hackney, London, E8

Architect
Buckley Gray Yeoman

Client
Aitch Group

Sector
Residential Developments

A bold canal-side landmark blending contemporary living with dynamic workspaces.

WME8 and Canal Place is a vibrant mixed-use development fronting the Regent’s Canal in East London, near the iconic Bethnal Green gasholders. The residential block, WME8, comprises 40 residential units and the commercial spaces, collectively known as Canal Place, offer over 31,000 square feet of workspace, blending living and working opportunities in a dynamic, evolving area.

The building’s stepped design embraces the canal’s role as a lively destination, culminating in a seven-storey apex that highlights its prominent corner location and maximises views across the water. Shortlisted for the NLA Awards in 2022, this development is a landmark addition to the Regent’s Canal.

The structural design of WME8 features a reinforced concrete (RC) frame with flat slabs and blade columns. All visible structural surfaces were left exposed, showcasing the raw materiality and precision as part of the building’s aesthetic.

The project includes a basement constructed directly adjacent to the Regent’s Canal, requiring close liaison with the Canal and River Trust to ensure the design respected water pressures and canal integrity while meeting long-term durability standards. Cantilevered steel balconies extend from the RC frame, providing private outdoor spaces for residents and enhancing the modern façade.

Photography
Will Scott