Carillion consortium wins UK floating village competition

The Carillion Igloo Genesis consortium - made up of constructor Carillion, Igloo Regeneration Fund and Genesis Housing Association - has won the competition to design and build the UK’s first floating village, at London’s Royal Docks.

Carillion Igloo Genesis has been selected to transform the 6ha of water at the Royal Victoria Dock site.

Working with architects dRMM and engineers Buro Happold, the Carillion Igloo Genesis scheme includes a custom-built approach for each of the 50 residential properties, enabling prospective occupiers to be part of the design process of their homes. There is also a blue water square, framed by a market square and a floating corniche. There will be a large multi-purpose events space, and leisure and business facilities.

The scheme is 100% floating, with the walkways, residential and non-residential units anchored in place using a series of piles located within the dock and connected to the dock by bridges.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said, “This site has the potential to become one of the most sought after addresses in the capital while breathing new life back into London’s waterways.

“Carillion Igloo Genesis’ scheme will create a unique mixed use development providing a range of commercial activities within a high quality water environment for Londoners and visitors, creating jobs and raising the profile of London’s Royal Docks.”

Chris Brown, director of Carillion Igloo Genesis, said, “Living in a floating home you've helped to design is a dream lots of us have. By combining the floating home experience of our Dutch collaborators with our custom built business, we hope to make these dreams come true in Royal Victoria Dock for a few lucky Londoners.

“East London's place on the tourist trail is growing fast. It's about to be joined by Europe’s largest floating village, with floating markets, creative workspace, events and watersports.”

A planning application for the scheme will be submitted to Newham Council in spring 2015.