mixed use
Howells, 2019
Marsh Wall, E14 9TP
A guided tour of Wardian, two residential towers of 55 and 50 storeys. Wardian was inspired by the great explorer and innovator Dr Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward who was responsible for the creation of the Wardian Case, used to transport plants around the world at the height of the British Empire. The tour, led by Howells, will conclude with a complimentary drink in the rooftop sky lounge.
Canary Wharf, South Quay
Responding to the evolving urbanism of Canary Wharf, the 55- and 50-storey towers are sited to reflect a gradual fall in building height away from the district’s commercial centre at One Canada Square. The carefully considered positioning of the towers also optimises daylight into apartments and opens up far-reaching views.
In contrast to a prevailing backdrop of sheer-faced office towers, Wardian is wrapped in stone-like-clad balconies that animate facades with domestic life and greenery. These terraces provide generous outdoor living space while protecting apartment interiors from solar gain, heat build-up and overlooking. Exterior proportions flow from internal spatial planning that prioritises quality of living spaces, aspects and views.
The tour will end at a spectacular shared space at the top of the east tower, which offers residents panoramic views of London and its river. Wardian’s 175-metre-high observatory is inspired by the work of 19th century physician Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward, who changed the world of botany through his Wardian Case—an early type of terrarium that provided a sealed, protective container for the plant species being imported into Europe by Victorian botanists.
Contemporary references to Ward’s groundbreaking technology are woven throughout Wardian’s architecture, including giant glass cases exhibiting arrangements of 100 different species of exotic species of trees, plants and flowers sourced from around the world.