by Terri Whitehead

On a former industrial site in East London, overlooking the Limehouse Cut canal, renowned housing designers Jestico + Whiles have completed work on Abbotts Wharf, a landmark housing development. It is situated in the ethnically diverse regeneration area known as Limehouse, an up-and-coming neighborhood with commuter links and views to the center of London.

Abbotts Wharf creates a new public promenade from the road to the water, with four high-density housing blocks. One is four-story, two are eight-story, and the fourth is a thirteen-story tower. These four structures are wedged between the water and a public park. The site ramps from the road down to a new mooring area for boats on the Limehouse Cut towpath.

The architects have much experience in transforming waterfront warehouses into desirable homes, and their work with leading UK private developers has resulted in the construction of many high-profile projects.

They are known for the nearby Oceans Wharf development of 54 luxury flats — in which all units were sold before construction even started — and for the award-winning renovation of heritage-listed warehouses into 300 flats at Butler's Wharf in another East End regeneration area, Isle of Dogs.   >>>

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The Abbotts Wharf housing development by architects Jestico + Whiles, along the Limehouse Cut canal, East London. Photo: David Churchill Color and offset balconies create a playful facade. Photo: Brady Peters   Click on thumbnail images to view full-size pictures.