Oval Partnership Briefing Note
The 2010 planning application for Sky Gardens at Vauxhall (opposite Sainsburys, Nine elms) is a 35 storey (120m) mixed used building including 239 residential units, 4,722 sq. m. of commercial (B1 office) floorspace, 257 sq. m. of retail or community floor space, amenity space and new vehicular access.
The original design (at 130m tall) for Fraser Properties was by Amin Taha Architects with Carey Jones Architects. Having obtained planning permission for this taller building in 2008 (see top picture), a similar but less ambitious design has been proposed (see bottom picture).
The development explores models for dense living, as much as planning authorities will allow, while maintaining high living standards. The building would include two communal ‘sky-gardens’, each being triple height and taking up the entire floor. The gardens increase the chance for social interaction in what might otherwise be and anonymous tower block. For 9 months of the year, there would be sufficient space to grow a salad box for every household.