shigeru ban's first UK building will be a five-storey residence in central london

plans have been announced for shigeru ban’s first building in the UK — a private five-storey residence in central london. the project, which is being developed alongside waugh thistleton architects, was first reported in 2015 and has now received planning approval. sited on the edge of potters fields park, a public setting located on the southern side of the thames, the property has been oriented north-south in order to offer views towards the river and the tower of london beyond.

all images courtesy of shigeru ban architects and waugh thistleton architects

utilizing both shigeru ban’s and waugh thistleton architects’ extensive experience in working with with wood, the proposal uses a timber structure in order to blend with the natural surroundings. the 21.5 meter-tall scheme is topped a roof garden beneath with an undulating roof, which will be formed from a lightweight timber and steel hybrid grid, and covered by a translucent membrane.

the private residence will be topped with an undulating roof canopy

the 3-bed family house is set over a basement and a ground floor home office/work space. above, all habitable floors are accessible by lift. two bedrooms are found on the first floor, along with a shared bathroom. meanwhile, the master bedroom suite is located on the second storey. the living space is located on the third floor of the proposal, alongside a WC and storage space. the dining room and kitchen are located on the fourth and final habitable storey where an internal staircase leads to the roof garden.

the five-storey building will offer views of the river thames