Three and Fifteen West Lane
In the heart of Canary Wharf's Wood Wharf area, two new aparthotel buildings, known as 3 & 15 West Lane, are making a significant impact on the evolving residential character of the district. These buildings, part of a car-free neighbourhood called The Lanes, offer a unique blend of modern living and industrial-inspired aesthetics.
Developed by HTA Design, these aparthotel buildings are the first offering from Canary Wharf Group's build-to-rent arm, Vertus. They accommodate short and long-stay serviced apartments above ground-floor retail and restaurant spaces, supporting a mixed-use functionality that enhances the vibrancy of the area.
The design draws inspiration from the lost warehouse architecture of the former Isle of Dogs docklands and the loft-style vernacular of New York, creating a harmonious fusion of past and present. Predominantly brick with pre-cast concrete detailing, the buildings acknowledge their historical setting without pastiche.
Sustainability is at the forefront of these buildings' design. Strategies for environmental performance were developed by HTA's Sustainable Futures team, and the buildings have achieved BREEAM 'Excellent'. Openable windows in the apartments eliminate the need for mechanical cooling, and window reveals vary in depth depending on orientation to optimise solar gain management and maximise natural light. All apartments are equipped with efficient services that support low-carbon living.
The public realm surrounding 3 & 15 West Lane is equally impressive. Union Square, located at the foot of the buildings, is a meanwhile space with a minimum lifespan of five years. It features a hard-surfaced events area, bleacher seating, edible planting, and an informal play space within naturalistic planting. The landscape supports biodiversity and improves connectivity across the estate.
Internally, the 297-apartment scheme takes cues from the vivid visual language of Wes Anderson, featuring bespoke joinery, fully equipped kitchens, and rippled fabric walls. The concept aligns with the client’s brief to create engaging living spaces with a touch of fun and flair.
Guests at 3 & 15 West Lane have access to a host of amenities, including lounges, co-working areas, private dining rooms, and three roof terraces. These facilities not only enhance the residential experience but also foster social interaction within the community.
The integration of 3 & 15 West Lane with a new public square, Union Square, designed by HTA’s landscape team, provides active frontage to the buildings and year-round engagement with the surrounding Wood Wharf neighbourhood. This collaboration complements the nearby Eden Dock, developed in partnership with the Eden Project and Howells.
In conclusion, 3 & 15 West Lane aparthotel buildings are a testament to thoughtful design, sustainability, and community-focused urban development in Canary Wharf. They are more than just buildings; they are a vibrant part of the evolving fabric of this dynamic area.
- Sustainable living at 3 & 15 West Lane is facilitated not only through the efficient services provided in each apartment but also through environmental strategies that were developed with a focus on performance, such as the use of openable windows to manage solar gain and optimize natural light.
- The design of 3 & 15 West Lane aparthotel buildings is a fusion of past and present, inspired by the lost warehouse architecture of the former Isle of Dogs docklands and the loft-style vernacular of New York, while acknowledging their historical setting without resorting to pastiche.
- The lifestyle at 3 & 15 West Lane is enhanced by a variety of amenities, including lounges, co-working areas, private dining rooms, and three roof terraces, designed to foster social interaction within the community and create an engaging living space with a touch of fun and flair.
