Empire Way

Empire Way is a seven storey structure containing 57 residential units for the Brent Council and 27 private sale residential units for Southern Space, part of the Southern Housing Group.

The project incorporates 15 one-bedroom homes, 14 two-bedroom homes and 28 three-bedroom homes, as well as an underground car parking facility to provide 100 per cent parking. We were appointed design and build contractor with full risk transfer of the design and planning process.

Because the development is located at a key junction immediately adjacent to Wembley Stadium, the Planning Authority required a landmark building. We styled facades and roofs to provide an iconic design, and incorporated specific design on the metal works on balconies.

This was the first major housing development to use the Bouygues construction methodology of an integrated concrete frame, wall and slab system. Using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), we used prefabricated services elements, including ‘wiring looms’, which were embedded in the concrete structure. This approach enabled fast completion of the structure and services, accelerating following trades and the overall programme.

The project was completed to a high level of quality and on time, with 22 months from demolition of pre-existing buildings to handover. A key element was the level of community engagement throughout the project, with all stakeholders kept aware of key site activities and community disruption minimised.

As always, sustainable design and construction was a priority for us, as it was for all the project’s stakeholders. We met the required EcoHomes ‘Very Good’ standard, with the project design incorporating renewable energy, communal gas boilers and a biomass boiler.

The architects for this project are:  Shepheard Epstein Hunter