Gasholders London by WilkinsonEyre: Historic Frames, Modern Homes

Gasholders London Technical Information

• Architects^1-5: WilkinsonEyre
• Location: King’s Cross, London, United Kingdom
• Client: King’s Cross Central Limited Partnership
• Project Year: 2002 – 2018
• Photographs: © John Sturrock, © Peter Landers

The gasholders are historic, industrial structures being redeveloped, but in a more enduring sense. We wanted to retain the presence of the structure but give it new meaning and use for the future. Working with circular geometry has resulted in really beautiful ideas. What began as a challenge, turned out to be a blessing.

– Chris Wilkinson

Gasholders London Photographs

Historical Context and Heritage Conservation

Gasholders London owes much of its identity to its unique history. The original gasholder guide frames, built in 1867, are iconic structures that once supported the industrial heart of London. These frames, towering and robust, were emblematic of an era in which energy demand shaped the city’s landscape. Their significance earned them Grade II-listed status, and their preservation was a central consideration in WilkinsonEyre’s design.

In 2001, these cast iron frames were carefully dismantled to make way for the Channel Tunnel Rail Link. Over the next several years, Shepley Engineers restored the 123 cast iron columns, preserving much of their original integrity. Despite being more than 150 years old, the frames were in surprisingly good condition, shielded from decay by their 32 layers of paint. By repurposing these frames to house modern residences, WilkinsonEyre pays homage to the structures’ industrial past and demonstrates how thoughtful conservation can reinvigorate historic elements for contemporary use.

Gasholders London Architectural Design and Spatial Dynamics

WilkinsonEyre’s design is rooted in a deep understanding of the spatial and historical essence of the gasholders. Inspired by the movement of the original gasholders, which would rise and fall with the fluctuating pressure of gas, the firm envisioned three residential “drums” of varying heights within the guide frames. This arrangement, paired with a fourth “virtual” drum at the center, creates a dramatic courtyard that underscores the interrelationship between the three structures.

The exterior’s industrial robustness contrasts with the interior’s lightness and refinement, reflecting a dialogue between old and new. Inside, apartments are designed to take full advantage of natural daylight through a unique “pie” configuration that places living areas and bedrooms along the perimeter. This setup allows residents to enjoy expansive views of the city, while the circular layout offers a variety of orientations, enriching each unit’s spatial quality. Central atriums in each drum introduce daylight into the core spaces, while circular walkways connect the buildings, enhancing the sense of community. WilkinsonEyre’s design is a masterclass in balancing historical reverence with modern spatial solutions, making Gasholders London both a visual landmark and a comfortable, engaging residential environment.

Environmental Sustainability and Technological Integration

A defining feature of Gasholders London is its strong commitment to environmental sustainability. The project incorporates a comprehensive carbon reduction strategy that aligns with contemporary sustainability standards. It features a highly efficient building envelope with excellent insulation, triple glazing, and airtight construction, all reducing energy demands. The district energy system, linked to the King’s Cross Combined Cooling Heat and Power (CCHP) scheme, provides cooling and heating to each residence, ensuring low carbon energy consumption.

In addition to energy-efficient mechanical systems, the design utilizes passive solar principles to maximize daylighting and reduce reliance on artificial lighting. The carefully considered apartment layout also includes operable shading screens that occupants can control through touch screens or smart devices, offering shade and privacy at the touch of a button. Designed to achieve the Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4 and aiming for BREEAM “Excellent” ratings in commercial spaces, Gasholders London stands as a benchmark in sustainable residential design. Water efficiency measures, such as rainwater collection and water-saving appliances, further support a holistic approach to environmental responsibility, demonstrating how historical architecture can be adapted to meet the demands of a sustainable future.

Beyond sustainability, Gasholders London embraces cutting-edge design elements that elevate the residential experience. The modular cladding system—comprising vertical steel and glass panels with operable shutters—offers residents the ability to control their environment, reflecting WilkinsonEyre’s commitment to both form and function. These shutters operate on a sliding track, allowing for privacy and shade while adding visual texture to the building’s exterior. The contrast between the raw industrial structure and the sleek, adjustable cladding captures the essence of the project’s design philosophy: a modern reinterpretation of a historic form.

Gasholders London Plans

Gasholders London Image Gallery

About WilkinsonEyre

Notes & Additional Credits

1. Interior Architecture: Jonathan Tuckey Design
2. Landscape Architecture: Dan Pearson Studio
3. Restoration Engineers: Shepley Engineers, Yorkshire
4. Structural Restoration: Reinforced and preserved the original 123 cast iron columns of the Grade II-listed gasholder frames.
5. Sustainability Goals:
   • Residential Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4
   • BREEAM ‘Very Good’ for commercial spaces, with an aspiration to achieve ‘Excellent’
   • Estimated carbon reduction of 45% through passive design features and efficient systems