Award-winning global architecture practice TURNER has completed its first major project in the United Kingdom, delivering a large-scale mixed-use development in Brentford that combines residential, retail and commercial spaces alongside community-focused amenities within a complex urban setting.

Located at 1-4 Capital Interchange Way in West London, the precinct spans more than 50,000sqm and includes over 400 apartments, comprising both affordable and build-to-rent housing, as well as 4,000sqm of commercial and retail tenancies.

Originally approved for Redrow and Catalyst Housing, the project was subsequently delivered by Telford Living and Peabody, with build-to-rent developer Ridgeback coming on board to bring the residential offering to market.

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The precinct is made up of three distinct buildings bordered by two street frontages. The project sits in a prominent location within the Golden Mile in a diverse and evolving part of Brentford, close to existing homes, the M4 flyover, and Brentford Football Club’s new stadium.

“Protecting view corridors is much more critical in London than it is in Sydney,” comments TURNER Director Kevin Driver.

A British native who spent 16 years working in TURNER’s Sydney office before establishing the firm’s London studio, Driver says the design team faced the challenge of preserving views to and from several significant landmarks, including the Kew Gardens, Gunnersbury Park, a local cemetery and St Paul’s Cathedral.

“We considered the design from different scales, mindful of how it may impact both distant views and its immediate streetscape,” he explains. The team used digital modelling, drone imagery, architectural models and hand sketches to test various configurations and understand their visual impact.

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The resulting layout places the precinct’s commercial element closest to the M4 flyover, with the residential buildings positioned behind.

“The scale nearest the motorway is eight storeys but there are 12-16 storeys sitting behind it. When you turn the corner, you go from quite a domestic-scale building to something that’s quite civic and easily seen from a distance – announcing the entrance to the Golden Mile,” Driver elaborates.

TURNER worked closely with the London Borough of Hounslow Council throughout the planning process, with the collaborative approach enabling the project to secure approval without requiring physical alterations to the proposed buildings.

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The design also draws inspiration from Brentford’s architectural heritage, particularly Wallis House, a prominent Art Deco building in the area.

“Our design’s materiality, facade composition, brickwork and built form all drew inspiration from that building,” he says.

A key feature of the project is its approach to resident amenity. Three elevated communal courtyards are shared across the three residential buildings, providing expansive outdoor spaces that are separated from street-level activity and shielded from motorway noise.

The mixed-use nature of the development allowed retail and hospitality offerings to activate the ground floor, while residential amenities are positioned above to create a quieter environment for residents. Air quality assessments also informed the placement of housing within the site.

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Both the affordable and build-to-rent buildings share a consistent architectural language on the exterior, ensuring no visible distinction between residents based on housing type.

“Inside, we brought decades of apartment planning experience to this project, so every single apartment is well proportioned,” Driver says. The design team prioritised generous living areas and maximum access to natural light throughout the residential offering.

Noting that the design of the buildings is different from the surrounding built environment, he explains, “Our three buildings showcase three distinct angles and three very different approaches to facade types. The one closest to the M4 flyover is a much more sculptured facade that echoes the corners of the road. The second is more domestic in scale and appearance, whilst the third appears more civic and ‘landmark’ in its elevation and scale.”

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Subtle design features, including a floating roof element, have been incorporated to reduce the perceived bulk of the buildings.

“None of this is frippery, all of the decisions we made are based on the geometry of the site but together they add interest and appeal to the existing streetscape,” Driver concludes.

Photography by Kilian O’Sullivan

Architecture News & Editorial Desk

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