Royal Docks

Location: Royal Docks, London
Client: GLA Framework Competition
Scale: 50-100 floating homes, 12,000 sqft commercial, 13,000 sqft hotel, 8,000 sqft restaurant

Background

The proposal for the Royal Docks is conceived to bring new life to London’s historic waters.

The plan envisions a floating village set within the Royal Docks, designed not as an extension of the dock edge but as an independent community surrounded by a “blue belt” that repositions water as the public realm.

By rethinking living on and by water through floating homes, aquatecture and waterfront development, we can create vibrant, future-proof places.

Set in London’s Royal Docks as part of the Mayor of London’s vision, the floating-village concept imagines a “Crown” settlement that forms the head of a necklace of floating communities across the docks.

Positioned away from the hard edge, the scheme rests within open water lanes, lakeside promenades and green-framed floatable zones. It aims to deliver both everyday living and waterfront delight in equal measure.

Process

Rather than extending from the dock edge, the floating village would rest within a calm “blue belt,” a central water space that allows the architecture to breathe and the landscape to come alive.

Designed as a coherent, extendable masterplan with potential to densify or expand along the docks, forming a continuous "necklace" or floating settlements.

Inspired by the character of a classic British village, it would include small local stores, a gallery, restaurants and a floating pub, all arranged around a unique “Village Blue,” a public realm defined by water.

This network of floating buildings and green terraces would host festivals, regattas and outdoor events, bringing energy and life back to London’s docks.

Architecture

Every aspect of "The Crown" celebrates floating architecture and the potential of sustainable design on water. Landscaped pontoons with trees, gardens and colourful paving create a vibrant promenade that reflects the sky and movement of the docks.

The design encourages community, leisure and creativity in equal measure, offering a car-free environment that feels both romantic and distinctly urban.

Positioned beneath the cable car and close to City Airport, this visionary floating community was conceived to become a new London icon, where city life and water coexist in harmony.

"The Crown" is designed not only as a functional, flexible living environment, but also as a symbolic new landmark for London’s waterways, blending urban ambition with playful, sustainable “aquatecture.”