Parker Tower

Planning consent has been granted for a radical overhaul of an existing hexagonal shaped tower in Covent Garden. The remodeled tower and a new low rise block provide 53 residential and affordable homes, as well as offices addressing Parker Street and Newton Street. A new landscaped garden connects the two buildings and creates private space for the new affordable homes.

The existing hexagonal office tower was outdated, both functionally and aesthetically, and sat uncomfortably with its neighbours. Squire and Partners’ design aims to reflect the character of the surrounding context by taking inspiration from another prominent tall building in the immediate area, Seifert’s CAA House.

A strong sculptural form is created using deep window reveals and angled bays on a precast concrete frame, which produces a rich pattern of expression. Within this frame horizontal terracotta fins provide shading and detail. The low-rise building overlooks the central garden space, and is composed of brick to reflect its more domestic scale, but shares the terracotta fins to tie the two elements together.