Case Studies
South Bank Place
South Bank Place is one of the most prominent riverside developments in London, combining modern architecture with timeless design. The Solid Wood Flooring Company has been involved in several of its buildings, supplying products for 4a, 4b, 5 and 6. This long-standing relationship with Canary Wharf Group meant that when the time came to finish the flagship penthouses in Building 5, we were invited to take part once again.
These apartments set the highest benchmark for the development. The flooring had to be both striking and practical, suited to everyday living but also reflecting the exclusivity of the space. Another supplier had already been considered at the design stage, but we were able to offer a product that delivered the same look with a better specification and a saving of around 25%.
The Challenge
The penthouses at South Bank Place were designed as the most exclusive homes in the development.
Every element had to feel considered and of the highest quality. Flooring was a key part of that brief. It needed to bring character and warmth to the interiors, while also being practical for everyday use.
There were several important requirements:
1. Compatibility with underfloor heating. Residents would expect modern comfort, so the floor had to perform reliably with the heating system.
2. Resistance to wear and staining. The surface had to cope with daily life and still look good for years to come.
3. Proportion to the space. The penthouses are large and open, so the pattern needed scale. A smaller weave would have been lost in the rooms.
3. Value and timing. The developer was working to a strict budget and schedule. The chosen product had to respect both.
Bringing all of this together meant the flooring could not just look right. It had to meet technical demands, satisfy the design vision and make financial sense for the client.
Our Solution
To meet the brief, we worked with our production team to create a prime grade basketweave parquet in the English Heritage Weave Bare Timber Oak finish. This option gave the designers the look they wanted while also delivering the performance needed for homes of this standard.
The oak was finished with a protective surface treatment that makes it resistant to marks and stains, so it stays looking good even with daily use. The construction is designed to work with underfloor heating, which was an essential part of the specification.
We also produced the weave in a larger format, so it felt in proportion with the generous scale of the penthouse interiors. The end result is a floor that looks elegant, works with the space, and will continue to perform for years to come.
Collaboration
This project worked because everyone pulled in the same direction. From the very start, we were in close contact with:
- Canary Wharf Group and their design team
- the cost consultants
- the main contractor, McAleer & Rushe
- the fit-out contractor, TCS
We supplied samples, shared technical advice and gave design support early in the process. This gave the team confidence and helped avoid problems on-site.
By staying involved from the first design conversations through to final installation, we ensured the flooring delivered exactly what was expected.
The Result
The penthouses at Building 5 now stand as some of the most impressive homes in the development. The basketweave parquet brings warmth and texture to the interiors and adds a sense of refinement that suits the scale of the spaces.
For Canary Wharf Group, the project delivered real value:
- The design vision was achieved without compromise
- The flooring provides durability and performance for the long term
- Costs were reduced by around 25 percent compared with the alternative supplier
The success of the project has strengthened our relationship with the developer and showed the value of working closely with the wider project team from start to finish.
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