Royal Docks

Location: Royal Docks, London

Client: GLA Framework Competition

Scale: 50-100 floating homes, 12,000 sqft commercial, 13,000 sqft hotel, 8,000 sqft restaurant

Story

BACA were runners-up in an ambitious proposal to create a floating village in London’s Royal Docks, part of the Mayor of London’s vision for the city’s future waterfront. Designed in collaboration with Hadley Mace, the scheme imagined a bold new destination called "The Crown", a floating neighbourhood set within the dock basin, surrounded by water and connected by walkways, gardens and lively public spaces.

The vision was for a new kind of waterfront development, a community that celebrates London’s historic connection to water while embracing a more sustainable future.

Process

Rather than extending from the dock edge, the floating village would rest within a calm “blue belt,” a central water space that allows the architecture to breathe and the landscape to come alive. Inspired by the character of a classic British village, it would include small local stores, a gallery, restaurants and a floating pub, all arranged around a unique “Village Blue,” a public realm defined by water.

This network of floating buildings and green terraces would host festivals, regattas and outdoor events, bringing energy and life back to London’s docks.

Architecture

Every aspect of "The Crown" celebrates floating architecture and the potential of sustainable design on water. Landscaped pontoons with trees, gardens and colourful paving create a vibrant promenade that reflects the sky and movement of the docks. The design encourages community, leisure and creativity in equal measure, offering a car-free environment that feels both romantic and distinctly urban.

Positioned beneath the cable car and close to City Airport, this visionary floating community was conceived to become a new London icon, where city life and water coexist in harmony.