Bankside II
Site History and Context
100 Tooley Street sits at the heart of London’s South Bank, within the historic borough of Southwark. Positioned between London Bridge and Tower Bridge, it lies in one of the city’s most vibrant quarters, where historic fabric meets contemporary development.
Once part of the dockside infrastructure that powered London’s mercantile past, Tooley Street has evolved into a hub for business, culture, and tourism. Today, the site is surrounded by landmarks including City Hall, More London, and the River Thames, with excellent transport links and connections to the wider public realm.
The property itself occupies the third and roof levels of a historic terrace, with a north–south orientation and its principal elevation facing the street. The brief was to create a two-bedroom penthouse with a rear extension and roof addition. The main challenge was introducing new volume without breaking the rhythm of the terrace. A carefully stepped approach allowed for generous outdoor terraces and a flexible layout, while ensuring the extension remained discreet within the townscape.
Design Response
The proposal creates a refined penthouse retreat above Tooley Street, crowned by a glass pavilion with framed views toward The Shard.
The reconfigured third floor accommodates two bedrooms to the rear, while the new upper level forms a light-filled living space beneath a lantern-like roof structure. A lowered floor plate enhances ceiling heights and daylight, delivering a calm, elevated interior with strong visual connections to the skyline.
Set back from the street, the extension is virtually invisible from the public realm. Material choices are minimal and precise: structural glass, aluminium metalwork, muted brick, and a sedum roof. Together, these elements create a contemporary addition that sits lightly within the cityscape while respecting the character of the terrace below.
