Fuse were appointed to design a contemporary residential scheme sited in a unique riverside setting. Our client’s brief called for mix of studios, 1, 2 and 3 bed apartments that looked to maximise the benefit of its location for all the residents, along with a small standalone office scheme ideal for small start-up businesses.
Our approach to the masterplan and the way the buildings would eventually be laid out, responds to the two different environments found on and around the site. The site divides itself in to two areas through its physical features: The distinctive natural ‘riverside’ of the River to the east and the more urban ‘street’ side facing west.
The massing approach to the site has been developed following site visits, studying the local context and building typology. The scheme requires a certain quantum of development to make it viable and out of this the massing starts to develop.
Client: Undisclosed / Sector: Residential / Status: Concept / Visualization: Our Studio
The striking pitch roof design was developed in response to the local context along with a desire for roof level dormers. The dormers allow the accommodation to be maximised, whilst adding architectural interest to the roof scape. The dormer rooms stop short at the Riverside elevation so that the overall height impact is reduced and the pure pitched roof form is prominent to the water’s edge.
The other significant design move is the 50 / 50 split of material which is a very strong architectural language of this part of the UK. The ground and first floor are clad in brickwork, whilst the upper floors and roof are clad in metal standing seam.
When articulating the facades further the proposal was for the ground and first floor studios have full height windows whilst the upper floors would have a large window with opening light, thus offering visual interest to the overall façade.
A final layer of detail is added through balconies and Juliette balconies providing small outdoor spaces for the residents and interaction with the courtyard spaces below. Architecturally they add a level of relief to the elevations.
