Plot R8 is a complex and carefully considered two-part urban mixed-use scheme blending affordable residential and commercial uses, in the northern quarter of King's Cross.

Plot R8 is a complex and carefully considered two-part urban mixed-use scheme blending affordable residential and commercial uses, in the northern quarter of the award-winning Allies and Morrison King’s Cross Masterplan.

The vertical and horizontal layering of uses across Plot R8 creates an ecosystem of affordable housing, office, retail (F&B) and voluntary sector spaces. The client and design team worked collaboratively to craft a rich urban environment through varying the architectural language; incorporating green space; strengthening visual and physical connections to outdoors; and through passive, environmentally responsive design strategies.

The central podium is topped by a richly landscaped garden, by Tom Stuart- Smith, designed to create privacy for residents and office users at lower levels whilst minimising the need for physical barriers. This green ribbon mediates the relationship between the office and residential uses and provides significant amenity and social space for both buildings.

The residential building, Deltic House, has 72 affordable rented homes with a focus on larger family units. This is represented in the mix of 9 four-beds; 31 three-beds; 21 two-beds, and 11 one-beds. Deltic House faces eastward, with a distinctive facade of generous repeating scalloped balconies. The light-toned precast balconies with crisp dark metal balustrades read as undulating ribbons, with shifting light and shadow creating a dynamic ever-changing character.

The Jellicoe, a 265,000 sqft GIA office building on the west of the plot, faces out over Jellicoe Gardens. The facade of The Jellicoe, designed according to passive environmental principles, gently curves to cradle the park, whilst a staggered setting of window bays rhythmically breaks the facade and creates dynamic oblique views on the approach. Inside, large efficient floor plates can adapt to a range of workspaces. Double-height voids were introduced in the centre of the first-floor floorplate to connect with ground floor activity and out into the public realm.