The challenge…
A Community Land Trust (CLT) was looking to maximise the potential of one of their underused existing urban spaces for a car free scheme, consisting of one bedroom flats at affordable rents. A heavily constrained urban site with neighbouring trees, listed buildings, land contamination, restricted access, acoustic issues and the need to retain open space for residents in the form of gardens and on site allotments.
Our approach…
Bringing together an archaeologist, an ecologist, a structural engineer and an acoustic engineer we were able to assess each of the technical issues and define the problem that we needed to design for. Despite being an urban site, we wanted to create multiple outdoors spaces to enjoy, as well as enhancing and encouraging wildlife. These outdoor spaces will support community activities and help maintain the wellbeing of residents.
Our solution…
The design screens out a factory and background noise, whilst retaining the historic ‘burgage plot’ form. An original air raid shelter is set at the end of an allotment area and three two-storey units create two distinct garden areas and a paved courtyard. A landscaping scheme with flowers and espalier fruit to attract insects and improve biodiversity. Rooftop solar PV panels reduce energy demands in use and a greenhouse for hydroponic plant cultivation sits on the roof of the rear building.