Mixed-use building completed for one of Europe’s largest regeneration projects

A landmark mixed-use development designed by Tenderstream member Alison Brooks Architects has opened its doors to a new residential community. Cadence is situated within the King’s Cross Central masterplan, one of Europe’s largest urban regeneration projects. Comprising 100 dwellings and 50 affordable apartments above two stories of commercial, social and service spaces, Cadence is recognised as one of King’s Cross most memorable buildings and a demonstration project for offsite manufacturing techniques.

The central architectural and urban gesture is the building’s arched base and top, executed in the deep orange brick of St Pancras Station. Reinterpreting the locality’s famous 19th Century arches with contemporary curves at a variety of heights and widths, the building appears animated, sitting lightly upon its urban landscape. The arches characterise the building’s base and upper stories in a three-dimensional, picturesque sequence. 

The project was Designed for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) and constructed utilising advanced prefabrication techniques including precast columns, Delta Beams, floor slabs, cores, stairs, and façade panels. The process significantly reduced construction site waste, carbon generated from vehicle journeys and the construction timeframe, while improving thermal and acoustic performance of the building envelope and overall quality control. Operational carbon is reduced through its efficient building services and King’s Cross’ low-carbon District Energy supply. Sustainable not only in its energy performance, Cadence’ very high ceilings, generous public spaces and robust concrete frame will allow the building to adapt to changing uses over time.

Lucy Nordberg
Tenderstream Head of Research

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