Ruskin Square presents a distinctive form within Croydon’s skyline: a robust ‘L-shaped’ brick-gridded volume composed of a 22-storey tower and a 9-storey plinth. As a key component of the Ruskin Square Masterplan, involving the creation of a new urban quarter in the land between East Croydon railway station and the existing town centre, the building’s character derives from a strong civic intent. Its ‘frame and infill’ external envelope establishes a unified façade, both emphasising the verticality of the tower and, at the same time, expressing the smaller-scaled variety of components that work within its mass. Brick returns to balconies and open metal balustrades further accentuate the façades’ depth, creating weather-protected external rooms for the 161 one- and two-bedroom apartments. Below, the communal garden – accessible from both entrances and residential cores – provides a mix of dedicated and informal play spaces along with seating areas for residents.

2014
Location
Croydon, London
Client
Croydon Gateway Limited Partnership

Onsite at Ruskin Square 12.08.14

Allford
Hall
Monaghan
Morris