HTA Design has completed the world’s tallest modular residential building in Croydon, south London.

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HTA Design, Billy Bolton, Greystar

Ten Degrees by HTA Design is believed to be the tallest modular residential building in the world. Comprising two towers of 38 and 44 storeys respectively, the 135-metre-high project accommodates 456 rented apartments. Operated by Greystar, the development combines 24/7 onsite management with a wide range of shared amenities, including a sky lounge, co-working space, private dining room, pet spa, games lounge, cinema room, and rooftop gym.

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Occupying a previously vacant site by East Croydon Station, the project draws heavily on the rich heritage of local mid-century buildings, including Richard Seifert’s iconic No.1 Croydon (1970). Inside, the apartments are supplied either furnished or unfurnished, with the former incorporating designer furniture packages and integrated SMEG appliances.

Floor plan showing configuration of modules and module figure ground; exploded axonometric facade drawing

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The modular build was delivered – from first concept sketch to handover ­– in just 39 months, and has resulted in a 67 pre cent reduction in carbon compared to traditional construction methods. Further benefits include a significant reduction in waste and improved quality control ensuring higher performance through operation.

“Realising a building of this scale and quality at speed required innovation in every aspect of design and construction,” explains Simon Bayliss, managing partner at HTA Design. “This included the extensive use of virtual reality and 3D printing for rapid prototyping at planning stage, through to the angled modular facade and large-format glazed terracotta diamond cladding panels.”

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The towers were manufactured off-site by developer and contractor Tide Construction, and its sister company Vision Modular Systems. The ready-built modular pods were delivered to site and then stacked on top of each other, not unlike giant Lego blocks, streamlining the construction process and reducing disruption to the surrounding area.

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“HTA has long championed the capacity of modular construction to deliver better housing in measurably more sustainable buildings,” says Bayliss. “This project is a clear demonstration that building tall can be beautiful, whilst challenging any perception that modern methods of construction need be a limit on design quality.”

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