We were invited by British Land to consider a footbridge crossing and pavilion for their large development at Canada Water. Inspired by the Common Tern, also known as the sea swallow, our bridge skims the water to bring users close to nature and provide rare moments of calm.

The ribbon surface skims the water, in flight, with delicate outrigger balustrade uprights which are slightly removed from the deck to provide perch points for the birds.

We took a kit of parts approach with the earth friendly concrete forming a constant base, capable of several configurations of balustrade infill and furniture. Connections are simple bolt-based fixings, ideal for replacement and deconstruction to map to circular principles.

Our pavilion proposal is comprised of stacked timber blocks, sourced from the construction waste industry. By forming a curve, the wall is structurally stiff while maintaining minimal depth, reducing resource use and capitalising on a material originally seen as waste. Our unique approach of purpose driven urbanism, inspired by the local vocabulary of industry creates a place that sets high standards of inclusivity, experience, sustainability and craft.