Morrow + Lorraine have designed the internal communal spaces for ‘The Fold’, part of a major regeneration at the former Croydon Council site, known as Queen’s Quarter. ‘The Fold’ is the tallest of four residential towers and is the only one designated ‘build to rent’. A collaborative approach was required throughout to integrate the interiors seamlessly within an already designed building shell. The Fold was a one-of-a-kind opportunity for a creative residential hub in Croydon. The brief required an enriched environment to promote residential community and the sharing economy. 

Unlike individualistic apartment dwelling, The Fold would promote congregation, neighbourhood and sharing with people from a wide variety of backgrounds at all stages of life. Communal areas on ground, first floor and rooftop of the high-rise would supplement the space of rental apartments and provide value-add. Morrow + Lorraine worked to create a dynamic, playful and hospitable space with built-in flexibility and modularity so the space can adapt to the needs of future residents. 

At ground floor a front-of-house reception area extends into the lounge, with a meeting table, tea point and fully accessible WCs. At the back-of-house there is a kitchenette, workspace, washrooms and commuter facilities for building employees. Connecting the ground and first floors is a bespoke, electric blue staircase. Upper steps are literally suspended from the ceiling with blue steel rods. These stairs required careful detailing to provide a design focal point and signature piece for the building. Reaching the top of the staircase reveals a range of open plan co-living spaces. These include a share library space for books, toys and equipment. A variety of co-working spaces and lounges with soft seating and a kitchen are also provided. 

Topping the building at level 35 is a fully accessible rooftop terrace framed by 1.6m high glass screens. The screens act as both a wind break and balustrade and allow spectacular 180° views over London. The terrace is a focal social point with a variety of planting and seating. 

The internal space on Level 35 consists of a spacious media room with soft seating, a large fully fitted kitchen and casual dining area where residents can host special events. The concept of shared functional and bookable spaces in a residential high-rise is still rare. Sharing furniture, tools, books, audio-visual and electrical equipment reduces the need for individual ownership, reducing waste, altering mindsets and consumer habits. 

Furniture was supplied by The Furniture Practice, a Planet Mark Certified Business working to be carbon-neutral across all operations by 2025. Our ethos for the design to enhance the shared living experience enabled us to create vibrant communal spaces that would suit a host of activities. We hope those living in the building will discover their favourite corner, enjoy meeting other residents and experience a fresh approach to apartment dwelling.