Old Oak Common station, West London, United Kingdom
About this story
Designers Rafael El Baz and Bahbak Hashemi-Nezhad developed an architectural tile system using clay excavated during construction of HS2's Old Oak Common station. Working with local Middle Eastern bakers, they translated relief patterns from traditional maamoul biscuit moulds into ceramic surfaces. Manufacturer Craven Dunnill Jackfield supported material trials, firing tests and glazing experiments to create a durable specification suitable for a large public installation.
Status and timeline
Material development and tile specification are documented; the inspected official project page does not state the final installation or station-opening schedule.
Design highlights
Construction spoil as finish material; circular material flows within a single infrastructure project; ornament derived from local food culture; translation of hand craft into repeatable industrial ceramic production; place-based civic identity.
