HS2 reveals community-inspired headhouse design

The headhouse is one of five that will be built to provide ventilation and emergency access to the 7.2km-long tunnel between Euston and Old Oak Common. The revised design involves a dynamic interplay between a series of intersecting rectangular forms of contrasting texture, height and volume. Style and materials are in harmony with those of the locality and, following community feedback, have been adapted featuring timber, metal, concrete and brickwork. The headhouse has also been reduced to one-storey high on one side to achieve a minimal profile and is set further back from the road to reduce industrial street frontage. The green-roofed structure will further harmonise with the local streetscape given the addition of tree planting and scrub habitats. Similar materials designed to achieve environmental harmony will be used on all HS2 headhouses through London.

Malcolm Codling, Project Client for HS2 Ltd, said:
“It is important that our visible manifestations of the railway through London are in keeping with the local landscape and I am pleased that through our design and engagement process we have been able to adapt our design. I hope the design will be welcomed by the local community.”

HS2 Ltd previously revealed its initial designs for the headhouse in summer 2018 and, following community feedback, made the revisions. Members of the local community have been invited to attend information events to learn more about the revisions.

HS2 Ltd’s main works contractor SCS JV (Skanska Costain Strabag) worked on the design with architects from Arup TYPSA Strabag.