The architecturally strong cylindrical form of Candle House was designed in response to the waterside surroundings, with the circular plan echoing the sweeping viaducts and curved railway arches, and in reference to the rich history of Granary Wharf. The ordering and layering of the elevation was deliberately simple allowing the natural play of light on the varying surfaces and differing materials to provide a visual richness.
Candle House provides 160 affordable and private apartments, ranging from studio two bedrooms. The internal layout has been designed to utilise space imaginatively; with the bathroom and storage rooms situated toward the centre of the floor plan, kitchen in the middle and the living areas and bedrooms situated to the perimeter. Large floor to ceiling windows maximise views and natural day light.
The wider Granary Wharf site, was regarded as having “no real sense of the promise” by Renaissance Leeds and Leeds City Council; but in 2005 ISIS Waterside Regeneration commissioned CJCT to produce an innovative urban and sustainable masterplan.
CJCT worked directly with Leeds City Council, Yorkshire Forward and other stakeholders through interactive workshops to ensure the master plans positive contribution to the vitality of Leeds. The result is a range of landmark buildings which provide a mix of uses designed to provide architectural diversity appropriate to the City Centre location whilst creating a cohesive whole. CJCT’s Candle House, CZWG’s Waterman’s Place and Allies & Morrison’s Mint Hotel complement each other in form and materiality; sympathetic to the qualities of the viaduct and industrial precedents.
Granary Wharf represents one of the most important developments in Leeds in recent years – pivotal to the regeneration of the city and its waterways.
