The Wiltern

The Wiltern is a Build to Rent development of 278 homes that takes inspiration from the principles of Art Deco architecture, applied through a contemporary and rational design approach. Located adjacent to the Grade II* listed Hoover Building, the scheme responds to this context in its proportion, geometry, and material strategy, rather than through direct replication.

The Hoover Building, designed in 1932 by Wallis, Gilbert & Partners, served as the UK headquarters and factory for Hoover. A landmark of industrial Art Deco, it is characterised by its steel-reinforced concrete frame, white Snowcrete render, bold horizontal emphasis, and decorative detailing influenced by the Egyptian Revival style. Set along the A40, its symmetrical frontage and polychromatic finish created a strong visual identity at speed. Following closure in the 1980s, the site was partly redeveloped, with Tesco constructing a supermarket to the rear and the main building later converted to residential. Many of those apartments are single-aspect and north-facing, issues directly addressed in the design of The Wiltern.

The Wiltern’s curved façades are formed by repeating radiused balconies, made from standardised components that deliver formal complexity with construction efficiency. While the exterior form appears fluid, the internal layouts are orthogonal and symmetrical, balancing expressive massing with practical planning. The building is designed on all sides, with no secondary elevation. Each façade is context-specific: angular bays face the railway; the main entrance is marked by vertical green terracotta fins and a recessed, glazed lobby beneath a projecting canopy clad in green ceramic tiles.

A carefully defined palette, white brick slips, bottle-green glazed terracotta, and gold-toned metalwork, adds depth, durability, and consistency. These materials reference the Hoover Building’s visual language without replication. Used in horizontal bands, they reinforce a base – middle – top composition and reflect the internal organisation on the exterior. Several colour schemes were tested during the design development stage; the final palette was selected to enhance articulation and reduce visual mass through balanced contrast and reflectivity.

The design also draws on nearby architectural references, including the orthogonal geometries and palm motifs of Teignmouth Parade, and the residential scale, brickwork, and detailing found within the Brentham Garden Suburb Conservation Area.

The internal plan is symmetrical, centred on a single core, with stepped wings that reduce overshadowing and improve daylight for neighbouring homes. The massing increases the proportion of dual-aspect apartments and reduces reliance on north-facing layouts. Along the railway-facing elevation, internal triangular bay windows replace balconies to provide amenity space while enhancing sound insulation and articulation, drawing inspiration from the geometry of the Hoover canteen façade.

Amenity spaces are integrated into the architectural massing, not applied separately. Ground-level communal areas open directly onto landscaped gardens, while upper-level lounges and terraces are positioned to make the most of long views across West London.

The landscape at The Wiltern complements the building’s bold architectural form with a clear, structured composition of outdoor spaces. Drawing on the formality of Art Deco design, the external realm is arranged around framed views, linear hedging, and carefully aligned axes that echo the façade’s rhythm and order.

Arrival is marked by a generous tree-lined plaza that accommodates both pedestrian and vehicle movement. Granite setts and accent lighting signal the transition from public to private realm, culminating in a recessed entrance framed by architectural planting. Residents pass through to a secure but open-feeling garden on the east side of the site, where seating, pergolas, and meadow-style planting define a calm retreat. A compact children’s play area, designed for informal and social play, is integrated discreetly into this space.

The planting strategy prioritises biodiversity, texture, and resilience. Drought-tolerant species were selected to suit the technical demands of over-slab planting above the basement. A mix of deciduous trees, flowering shrubs, and perennial groundcover creates seasonal variation and supports pollinators. Existing boundary trees were retained and protected during construction to preserve maturity and ecological value.

At upper levels, two roof terraces on the 10th and 15th floors extend the landscape vertically. These planted spaces are designed for flexible use, with a mix of soft landscaping, small trees, and integrated seating that offer long views across West London.

At The Wiltern, a fabric-first approach reduces energy demand at source. The building envelope includes high insulation, low air permeability, and simplified junctions to minimise thermal bridging and avoid unnecessary complexity.

Sustainability began with the site. The existing basement, originally part of a petrol station, was retained and adapted to accommodate plant, cycle storage, and resident parking. This reduced excavation, minimised embodied carbon, and simplified servicing links to the adjacent Tesco development.

Materials were selected for durability and efficiency. Standardised components, including precast balconies and repeating façades, reduced construction waste and supported quality control. The building’s stepped form and glazing strategy maximise daylight and natural ventilation, reducing reliance on mechanical systems.

Each apartment includes a three-compartment recycling bin, with centralised waste areas and signage supporting ease of use. Bulky waste storage and reuse strategies are also integrated. Tenant information and regular management ensure systems continue to function as intended.

The interiors at The Wiltern extend the building’s architectural character through soft curves, bold colours, and high-quality materials. Art Deco influences are carried into every part of the interior scheme, expressed through proportion, finish, and detail.

The double-height reception sets the tone with a sculptural curved desk clad in glossy porcelain finger tiles, technical stone, and brushed gold metal. Behind it, a custom green terrazzo tile wall creates a strong visual anchor, complemented by soft lighting and textured surfaces that signal arrival.

Shared amenities are designed for both functionality and comfort. The ground floor includes a generous co-working lounge with booths, pods, and bookable meeting rooms. A separate social lounge offers flexible seating, adaptable for events or informal gatherings. Upper levels include a residents’ gym and further lounges positioned to maximise views and natural light. These spaces share a consistent material language, with warm tones and clean detailing that reinforce the building’s identity.

Apartments continue the narrative with curated interior palettes. Kitchens in green, burnt orange or blue serve as focal points, paired with soft neutral tones, integrated lighting, and open-plan layouts. Each home is designed to maximise light and connectivity, with glazed doors linking living spaces to balconies or terraces. Bathrooms feature complementary finishes, creating a seamless material story throughout.