News Coppermaker Square: First choice living for Londoners

Coppermaker Square: First choice living for Londoners

Features, News

February 05, 2025

In a city where property ownership often feels like an elusive dream, renting is becoming a lifestyle of choice, rather than a reluctant fall-back. London’s Build to Rent (BTR) sector is leading this shift, transforming the renting experience into something desirable, even aspirational for the young and old. 

A prime example is Coppermaker Square, a landmark BTR development designed by PRP that offers more than just a place to live — it’s a vibrant community designed with exceptional amenities for people of all ages. "Renting in London should never be seen as a last resort. With developments like Coppermaker Square, we're proving that renting can offer not just a home, but an entire lifestyle for all generations," says Marcus Cubitt, Associate Director at PRP. 

 

The vision behind Coppermaker Square

Located close to the bustling Westfield Stratford City and a stone’s throw from the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Coppermaker Square is one of the largest and most ambitious single-phase BTR developments in London. Developed by Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) and managed by Greystar, the project brings 1,225 homes to the heart of Stratford, all designed to meet the needs of modern renters. 

PRP, having previously made their mark with Quintain’s BTR development at Wembley Park, took on the challenge of designing and delivering Coppermaker Square. The project, which has been nearly a decade in the making, stands as the largest single-phase construction in PRP’s 60-year history. With its completion, Coppermaker Square sets a new standard for BTR developments, integrating residential, commercial, and communal spaces within a carefully planned urban landscape.

 

Design challenges and solutions

Creating a project of this scale in such a busy and complex area of London came with its share of challenges. The site is bordered by existing roads, the Westfield shopping centre, a M&S department store, and multiple transport links, including the Docklands Light Railway and the recently added Elizabeth Line. Environmentally the site was predominantly south & east facing. The nearby West Ham United football stadium also presented security concerns, especially on match days.

“To address these challenges, we incorporated strict performance criteria into the building’s facade, opting for narrow, full-height vent windows with fins that not only enhance security but also contribute to the aesthetic elegance of the towers,” explains Cubitt. The use of internal amenity spaces with sliding glazing within the apartments of the tower buildings was a creative solution to the issue of wind protection, allowing residents to enjoy private outdoor spaces without compromising safety or design integrity.

Navigating the stringent planning requirements set by the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) was also no small feat. PRP worked closely with all stakeholders to ensure that the design met the high standards of quality demanded by the LLDC, while also preserving the original vision for the project. 

Image: Mail room within one of the Coppermaker Square residential buildings 

An oasis of calm amidst the urban hustle

Despite its proximity to one of Europe’s busiest shopping destinations, Coppermaker Square is designed to be a real oasis of calm. The development’s landscaping is a key element of this, with a lush, green public realm that offers spaces for relaxation, recreation, and play. The central square serves as a new green heart for Stratford City, featuring intimate spaces for resting away from the hustle and bustle of nearby retail streets.

A linear park runs east-west through the development, providing a peaceful, meandering route that connects residents to the wider neighbourhood, including views of key Olympic Legacy buildings and places. Elevated residential gardens and private courtyards offer additional communal outdoor spaces, creating opportunities for community interaction and social cohesion.

 

Keeping it green

Environmental sustainability is core to Coppermaker Square's design. The development is connected to the local district heating and cooling network, significantly reducing its carbon footprint. High-performance fabric efficiency measures, such as a highly efficient thermal envelope and façade, further enhance energy efficiency, minimising the need for artificial heating and cooling.

Passive design features play a crucial role in the building's sustainability. The windows allow for ample daylight to flood the interiors, reducing the reliance on artificial lighting and enhancing the well-being of residents. The glazing ratios are optimised to capture solar gains in the winter while minimising overheating in the summer, as well as being acoustically high performing given the context, contributing to a comfortable living environment year-round.

In addition to these energy-saving measures, the project prioritises circularity and waste reduction. Prefabricated elements were used extensively, allowing for faster construction, reduced waste, and easier maintenance. Water-efficient fittings and appliances were also selected to minimise water usage, further contributing to the development's sustainability goals.

 

Amenities for community living 

Coppermaker Square stands out for the thoughtfulness of its design. The development’s amenity provision is unparalleled, with a wellness spa, flexible workspaces, private dining areas, and even a luxuriously fitted out media space for resident use. 

The wellness spa, located in the basement, includes a 25-meter swimming pool, a vitality pool, steam room, and sauna, offering residents a place to unwind without ever leaving home. Surprisingly, the development also provides a pet spa, equipped with its own professional-grade bathing station, for resident’s pooches to look their best. 

The Coppermaker Club, the central hub of the development, is designed to create a sense of community among residents. It features a fully equipped gym with a glass wall overlooking the pool, studio spaces for yoga, dance and spinning, and a series of ancillary spaces for storage, making it easy for residents to live comfortably and conveniently.

“Coppermaker Square is more than just a place to live—it’s a community designed with inclusivity at its core. The development incorporates features such as raised allotment beds for ease of access, a Zen garden for sensory experiences, and inclusive play areas that cater to children of all abilities. 

“Street furniture and wayfinding elements are designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring that the space is welcoming to all. Every aspect of the development is geared towards creating a space that everyone can enjoy," explains Ewa Dylka, Associate at PRP. 

Image: Pool, sauna and steam room that make up some of the amenities at Coppermaker Square

A vision for the future

The completion of Coppermaker Square marks the culmination of nearly a decade of planning, design, and construction for the team at PRP, spanning Architecture, Lead Consultant and CDM Principal Designer roles. It’s a testament to PRP’s commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable developments that enhance the urban fabric of London. As the largest single-phase construction project in the company’s history, Coppermaker Square is a milestone achievement that sets a new benchmark for BTR developments in the city.

For residents, it offers a lifestyle that combines the convenience of city living with the tranquillity of green spaces, all within a community designed to foster connection and well-being. As the BTR sector continues to grow, Coppermaker Square stands as an example of how renting can be a first choice, offering a quality of life that rivals — and even surpasses — traditional homeownership.

 

Lessons learned from Cherry Park from the perspective of the design team

“Your colleagues are everything; someone knows something that can help. Support each other.” – Ewa Dylka

“Despite any challenge, if you stick together as a team, you will be successful.” – Marcus Cubitt

“Dealing with a project the size of Cherry Park is like handling multiple projects all rolled into one.” – Marcus Cubitt

“Organisation is key. Good BIM = fewer problems. Revit Parameters are your friends.” – Ewa Dylka