The Pitman Tozer architectural practice built the audacious 7-storey Mint Street housing development located only 12 meters from a busy railway viaduct. The building, which combines market-rate and subsidized housing, does a great job tackling the challenges that come with its peculiar location.
For one, the building curves with the shape of its rail line. The windows boldly face out toward the trains, as placing them in this direction makes the building look more appealing and also provides it with more natural light.
Noise was obviously a major consideration for the building given its location. The living room windows are sheathed in acoustic glazing that reduces the amplitude of external sounds by 41 decibels.
Front-facing apartments also have an enclosed balcony which, when its windows are closed, acts as an additional sound buffer.
Railway-Straddling Buildings
This Mint Street Building in London is Steps Away from a Railway Line
Trend Themes
1. Railway-straddling Buildings - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Designing buildings that are seamlessly integrated with existing railway infrastructure.
2. Curved Buildings - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Exploring architectural designs that complement the shape and flow of surrounding rail lines.
3. Acoustic Glazing - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing advanced soundproofing technologies for buildings located near busy railway tracks.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integration of innovative architectural designs for railway-straddling buildings.
2. Construction - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Implementing construction techniques to mitigate noise pollution in buildings near railway viaducts.
3. Noise Reduction Technology - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Research and development of advanced soundproofing technologies for buildings in close proximity to railways.