Summer Newsletter
As September arrives, we welcome autumn bringing with it the season of vivid colours and a sense of change in the air. Here at Spacehub, we are delighted to share exciting studio news, including a new studio space, six new team members, and many exciting new projects!
This season we have welcomed new talent to our growing team, including Sam Simson, Trupti Kale, Shantanu Singh, Yiming Lei, Sam Travers, and Ben Keene.
We also send our congratulations to Ya Liu who has recently been promoted to Senior Landscape Architect. Since joining Spacehub in 2022, Ya has been a driving force behind many of our signature projects, including The Goodsyard, Embassy Gardens, University of East London, Bristol Temple Quarter, and more.
New home!
We are thrilled to share with you that Spacehub has moved to a new studio! We are now up and running from our new address:
First Floor, Front Building, 148-150 Curtain Road, LONDON, EC2A 3AT
We look forward to welcoming you to our new space and continuing to create beautiful, sustainable spaces together.
Project updates
Folkestone ‘Shoreline’ (Plot B) – Construction completed
You may have seen various ‘Shoreline’ updates throughout construction. It is now completed! We were delighted to have a wonder around the thriving planting recently. The ‘Shoreline’ environment has two distinct microclimates, one created by the harsh sea winds and a second from the shelter formed by the crescent-shaped building. These contrasting conditions allow the landscape to have two very different characters, informed by distinct planting types and design language.
The front gardens take draw inspiration from the immediate coastal surroundings. The planting palette has been carefully selected to withstand the harsh sea winds and challenging conditions. In contrast, the residents’ podium garden is sheltered, lush and vibrant, informed by the same Mediterranean planting found in the Lower Leas Coastal Park. Due to the sheltered nature of the podium, mounds and forms become loose, free and informal.
There are many more plots within the Folkestone Seafront Masterplan with more updates to come later in the year.
Photography credit : Studio Maple
Folkestone Harbour Viaduct and Station – Construction completed
As part of Folkestone Harbour & Seafront Development Company’s ongoing renovation of the Harbour Arm and its heritage structures, the station and its platforms were restored and reopened to the public in 2015 and completed by Macfarlane Associates and Acme. The route that once carried pedestrians by train to the port is now a flourishing linear pedestrian link out to the Harbour Arm. Spacehub has a role in the ongoing maintenance and management site-wide and completed replanting works and installation of new barriers in the spring. You can see they are now looking incredibly lush.
Berkshire Road – Planning approval
We are excited to announce that 57 Berkshire Road received approval in June from the LLDC Planning Committee. This project is a design collaboration between Spacehub and Stockwool for client Coldpark Ltd and includes a high-quality 144-bedroom hotel with flexible mixed-use commercial spaces.
This project continues Spacehub’s extensive work within the Hackney Wick Central Masterplan. The design draws inspiration from Hackney Wick’s unique context and will create a safe and welcoming environment for residents, workers, and visitors alike.
The approved proposals celebrate Hackney Wick Central Masterplan’s distinctive public realm, characterised by its yards and historic lanes with a robust tapestry of paving, workshop courtyards, streetscape planting and biodiverse roof covering all available roof areas. We love the idea of the existing ‘stink pipe’ on Wallis Road potentially becoming an intriguing ‘urban folly’ and a celebrated heritage asset.
Congratulations to the team! We look forward to seeing another vibrant addition to this buzzing neighbourhood.
Alton Estate – Planning approval
Another project that has progressed is the Alton Activity Centre and Downshire Field Improvement works on the Alton Estate which have been unanimously approved by Wandsworth council.
This project is a significant investment in both the people and nature of the Alton Estate. Spacehub has had the honour of curating the community’s vision through extensive engagement, including insightful conversations with residents and creative drawing sessions with local children.
The scheme features a variety of enhancements to Downshire Field, including accessible walking routes, seating, leisure activities, a naturalistic play space, and long-term management considerations for the Historic England registered park and garden. The Alton Activity Centre landscape has been reimagined with all-wheel, ball, performance and hang-out space.
Every space has been thoughtfully designed to accommodate all users and abilities. This involved comprehensive community engagement, dedicated drawing sessions with youth, including a session with local girls, and extensive design reviews to address a wide range of impairments. Our goal is to create spaces where everyone feels welcome and no one feels excluded—Spacehub stands for fair space, not fear of space!
We can’t wait to see these spaces delivered and full of joy!
St Magnus House – Planning approval
The City of London has granted approval for the refurbishment of St Magnus House on Lower Thames Street. This project, a collaboration between BGY Architects and client Pegasi Ltd, will deliver ‘best in class’ workspace and enhance the connectivity between Lower Thames Street and the Thames Path. The redesign includes new riverside gardens, terraces, playful spaces, and an upgraded first-floor terrace that has become a favourite spot for TikTok dancers due to its stunning London skyline views.
The landscape plans incorporate areas for both people and nature, boasting a 136% biodiversity net gain illustrating a welcome uplift weaved into proposals. We look forward to the completion, expected in 2026, and the enjoyment it will bring to all.
Awards
It has been fantastic to see the success of TTP Campus, South Cambridgeshire. Winner of Greater Cambridge Design and Construction (GCDC) Awards, BCO Regional Awards Winner, Schüco Excellence Awards Winner and shortlisted for MIX Awards, Construction News Awards, Concrete Society Awards and the Building Awards.
Spacehub collaborated with Sheppard Robson on the development for TTP. Set amongst a diverse and sympathetic landscape setting, state-of-the-art labs and research facilities provide a new home for TTP, who currently occupy the adjacent Melbourn Science Park. The approach to Birchwood Fields takes its inspiration from the local landscape character, respecting the surrounding countryside and those who live within it. Three landscape typologies – woodland, wetland and meadow – defined by distinctive planting types have been identified as a result of studying the local landscape in the wider and immediate context, the impact on neighbours in Melbourn village, the physical demands of the environment and the need for a greater connection between the proposed site and current Melbourn Science Park.
Congratulations to the team!
Photography credit : JackHobhouse
Recent Photography
We are loving the recent photos from completed projects. See below a snippet of images from Studio Maple and Paul Upward Photography.
Goodluck Hope
Photography credit : Studio Maple
Photography credit : Studio Maple
Folkestone Harbour Viaduct and Station
Photography credit : Studio Maple
Photography credit : Studio Maple
Out of office
Our summer outing this year saw our team venture to the Surrey Hills, spending the day exploring the leafy scenic trails that surround Box Hill. With its beautiful scenery, wildlife, and viewpoints, Box Hill was a wonderful place to escape the city and get outdoors, enjoying the fresh air and admiring the views across the surrounding countryside.
We began the day at Westhumble Station where we set off on the eight-mile circular walk, through farmland, woodland, and riverside, passing some wonderful viewpoints and landmarks, including the stepping-stones over the River Mole.
We ended our day at Denbies, England’s largest single-estate vineyard for a well-earned drink.
