Kettle Collective has designs on a constructive 2019 at home and abroad
With landmark international projects nearing completion and others just beginning, Edinburgh-based architecture-studio Kettle Collective is looking forward to 2019 and building on another record year.
Design principal Tony Kettle, who heads up the firm, expects building work at two of his projects, St Petersburg’s Lakhta Centre, Europe’s tallest building, which he designed while at RMJM, and the DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) Solar Innovation Centre in Dubai to finish during the year ahead. Also completing construction are a number of luxury villas, townhomes and the sales pavilion at the Tilal Al Ghaf Development in Dubai.
In addition, construction will begin at Glasgow’s River Clyde Crossing bridge, the largest opening cable-stay road bridge in the world, as well as a significant residential and hospitality project at Port Sultan Qaboos in Oman and the new tower for the Roberto Cavalli hotel in Dubai Marina.
This progress comes after the company achieved its largest ever order book with new clients across the Middle East, China and Malta during 2018. Kettle Collective also opened a second Middle East office in Oman in July.
Tony, along with managing director Colin Bone, has been invited to take part in the influential annual VIII International Cultural Forum that will be held in St Petersburg in November. The pair were involved in the 2018 event that attracted thousands of culture experts from all over the world, with Tony also talking at conferences in Dubai and Bangkok during the year.
Tony said: “Looking at our order book, the year ahead is already shaping up to be a busy one with significant projects completing and others beginning. Lakhta, the River Clyde Crossing, Port Sultan Qaboos and the Dubai developments are all unique and significant projects, they have been designed to enhance their respective areas with a modern approach that recognises the surrounding culture and history.
“We are working on designs for masterplans and buildings all over the globe and have a number in the pipeline. Our work covers projects of all sizes and many of our clients come to us looking for bespoke designs that address specific issues.”
Tony is author of the concept at the 462-metres Lakhta Tower, which he designed whilst at RMJM Architects and has continued to work with the client on Phase 2 whilst at Kettle Collective. The 87-story skyscraper is designed for mixed-use development and will be the 13th tallest building in the world.
The LEED Platinum DEWA building will be at the heart of the largest photovoltaic solar power facility in the Middle East and will promote the sustainable future of the Emirate of Dubai. The multi-award winning building is based on the principles of ‘divine geometry’ as seen in Islamic art and is connected to its surroundings on all sides by twisting ribbons of glass.
Kettle Collective was formed in 2012 with a focus on creating high performance and energy efficient designs. Tony is actively involved in the design of all its projects. The company aims to create vibrant and sustainable projects with the belief that the space we live in directly influences the quality of our lives.
Tony is probably best-known for designing the Falkirk Wheel and his experience includes a range of projects worldwide that include the City Palace Evolution Tower in Moscow, Dubai International Convention Centre in the UAE and the Stirling Prize winning Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh alongside EMBT.