Soap Works
17 storey, 124 unit residential tower in the heart of Acton. Taking a complex mixed-use scheme from planning through Gateway 2 and delivery, working to a tight programme.
DFA was appointed post-planning to take forward the delivery of Soap Works, a significant mixed-use development at 8-10 Greenock Road in South Acton. The consented HTA scheme combined flexible industrial and commercial space at podium level with 124 new homes above, rising through a stepped form of 11, 14 & 17 storeys.
Our role began with a detailed review of the consented scheme, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, simplify construction and strengthen the project’s technical and environmental performance. DFA coordinated the Non-Material Amendment (NMA) to align the scheme with BS 9991 and the evolving fire-safety requirements, while protecting and enhancing the key principals and architectural character of the planning consent.
Alongside the regulatory work, the studio rationalised key aspects of the design to improve overall scheme efficiency and buildability.
This included simplifying interfaces and construction logic, coordinating the architecture more closely with structure and services, and resolving details with repeatability and procurement in mind.
The objective being a more robust, efficient building that can be delivered with greater certainty without diluting the quality of the original design intent.
DFA has also worked with the wider consultant team to improve the energy strategy, integrating environmental performance into the technical development of the scheme. This coordinated approach brings architecture, building services, fabric performance and compliance together as the design moves towards Gateway 2.
From the NMA, DFA is leading the architectural development and consultant coordination required for the Building Safety Regulator Gateway 2 submission, before continuing through construction and completion. Taking on the project at this stage requires a careful balance between design stewardship and the technical, regulatory and commercial demands of delivery, with clear information, coordinated decisions and buildable solutions established before work progresses on site.
The original design draws strongly on South Acton’s industrial heritage, using brickwork, glazing and metalwork to give the building a robust industrial character while creating active ground-floor frontages, landscaped public realm and generous residential amenity.
