Urban park scene with people relaxing, modern buildings, large architectural frame structures, and a canal with boats.

Gasholder Park
Camden, London

KEY FACTS

  • Client: King’s Cross Central Limited Partnership

  • Project cost: Undisclosed

  • Status: Completed 2015

  • Categories: Public, Built heritage, Re-use

AWARDS

  • Architecture Today 2023 | Winner

  • Civic Trust 2019 | Winner

  • RIBA London 2018 | Winner

  • Camden Design 2017 | Commended

  • RIBA London Region 2016 | Shortlisted

  • Blueprint 2016 | Shortlisted

  • New London Architecture 2016 | Winner

  • RICS 2016 | Shortlisted

  • New London Architecture 2014 | Shortlisted

“It’s simplicity at its best. The location and the serenity of this new small park adds an invaluable asset to the growing community”

— RIBA Awards judging citation

Three people sitting on grass in a park next to a modern apartment building with rectangular balconies and trees. An industrial-style metal structure is partially visible in the foreground.

In 2008 we won a design competition to remodel the Grade II listed Gasholder No. 8 as a new public space in the heart of King’s Cross. The proposal frames a central garden with a stunning mirror-polished stainless steel colonnade within the Victorian gasholder guideframe. The new structure provides a more intimate and contemporary counterpoint to the vast historic structure.

This fragile industrial icon was dismantled and removed from its site in King’s Cross and transported to Yorkshire where it underwent repairs, refurbishment and repainting. On completion it was carefully re-erected in a more prominent position adjacent to the Regent’s Canal.

In conjunction with Argent, Arup, Shepley and BAM Nuttall, we developed a detailed methodology for the dismantling, repair and re-erection of this incredible structure.

Within this imposing guideframe now sits the mirror-finished canopy which like a kaleidoscope, dramatically reflects the colours of adjacent planting, buildings, people and activity.

Reflective columns with people sitting beneath and industrial building background
Outdoor modern art installation with mirrored panels and people walking among greenery. Iron lattice structures and urban buildings in the background.
Urban canal scene with boats, modern buildings, and people walking by.
Reflection in mirrored panels in a modern urban park, showing plants, trees, and parts of a red building. People are present, some taking photos, creating a distorted and fragmented visual effect.
Reflective architectural installation in urban park with surrounding greenery and buildings.
Worker inspecting or assembling industrial machinery with blue light inside a metal structure.
Construction site with a large circular metal structure and heavy machinery like cranes and excavators, surrounded by dirt and industrial buildings.
Welder grinding a large metal pipe in a factory with sparks flying.
Worker in protective gear spray painting a large industrial pipe in a factory.

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