Thames Tideway Tunnel Central

Orbit Architects led the delivery of kiosks across several central London sites along the Thames River as part of the Thames Tideway Tunnel Central Project. Located along Kirtling Street and on the Chelsea, Albert, Victoria and Blackfriars Embankments, the kiosks support the super sewer infrastructure while contributing to an enhanced and cohesive public realm along the river bank.

The kiosks accommodate public cafés and essential mechanical equipment, and their design is intentionally understated so that the river, landscape and public art remain the primary experience. Each structure reflects the story and character of its specific site, with façades constructed from materials including thermally sprayed metal, embossed granite, etched precast concrete, brick and zinc. Delivering these varied cladding systems required detailed technical coordination, particularly in achieving seamless façades where fire‑rated doors needed to be fully integrated into the material expression.

Orbit’s role centred on ensuring high design quality through close collaboration with the wider consultant team - including HED as landscape architects, FLO as design managers and site engineers, and contractors Maylim and Lorclon. This collective effort was essential in navigating complex site conditions such as river edges, bridge structures and TfL interfaces, while responding to the evolving requirements typical of large‑scale infrastructure delivery. Full‑scale 1:1 mock‑ups were used to test construction approaches, refine detailing and maintain design intent across all sites.

Through the delivery process, Orbit developed a deep understanding of how the kiosks would function within the wider public realm. At Albert Embankment, the beach‑hut‑inspired form aligns with the tidal landscape; at Victoria Embankment, the cruciform column is expressed clearly where it meets the granite base; and at Blackfriars, the kiosk integrates subtly into its surroundings.

Across all 3 sites, the structures are designed to recede visually, supporting the infrastructure below, while preserving views of the Thames and enabling new public spaces for Londoners to walk, pause and spend time by the riverside.

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