Poplar Works is a fashion and ‘makers’ hub combining manufacturing, training, and affordable studio space, together with a community-accessible café, events space, and garden area.

Poplar Works is a unique multi-million fashion and 'makers' hub combining manufacturing, training, and affordable studio space, together with a community-accessible café, events space, and garden area. The scheme has been developed by the award-winning housing association, Poplar HARCA, in partnership with the Greater London Authority, London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London, and workspace provider 'The Trampery'.

Location

The project, completed in late 2019, transformed eighty disused garages and open space next to the A12 to create a new home for East London's fashion economy. Located beside the A12 Blackwall Tunnel approach road in East London, this project created a dynamic fashion business space, manufacturing unit, design and tech facilities, educational spaces, and a public café and events area.

Mass timber

A prefabricated kit of parts was used for this project which provides a warm, natural aesthetic that contrasts beautifully with the industrial feel of the existing garages. The refurbishment retained the structural elements of the 90 underused and deteriorated garages, repurposing them to provide studio and business spaces. This approach minimized waste and reduced the need for new construction materials, aligning with the project's low-budget and sustainable ethos.

Reinvigorate

This transformation of what was once an underused backstreet into a lively business street demonstrates the options with a Sylva kit of parts. The double-height café and hub space open to the public serve as a community gathering spot and showcase the creative activities and businesses housed within the new building.

Awards and testimonial

Poplar Works has been recognized for its innovative design and sustainable approach, being shortlisted for the RIBA Regional Award.

Gary Lubrun, Project Director at Poplar HARCA, explains: "We'd used CLT by Stora Enso on a previous multi-award-winning scheme and were impressed by its speed, efficiency, and ease of construction. CLT by far exceeded the performance of alternative structures as it results in reduced programme duration and lessens the impact on neighbours, minimises waste, and reduces the carbon footprint."

Read more about the advantages with mass timber