Monday 24 October 2011

Scheme to enhance Victorian Crescent


The intention is to enhance the visual appearance of this triangle of land by re-introducing managed gardens in the form of micro-allotments. These would be offered for rent to local residents, many of whom already overlook the site from small flats which have no dedicated amenity space. Half the site (the lower section) would be made level by the introduction of a small secure underground car park for 8 motor vehicles and 32 bicycles, constructed with an independent concrete frame and slab clad in a stainless steel trellis framework, planted up with various indigenous species of climber to provide all year around visual interest and security. Two deck level roof lights are positioned to provide natural illumination of the undercroft, reducing the need for artificial lighting. At night, low energy fluorescent lights will be controlled by movement detectors to reduce energy usage.

Discussions with local residents have established that there is strong local demand for secure parking in this area of town.

Wednesday 18 May 2011

Mixed Use Scheme in Gloucester





These proposals will create a sustainable mixed-use scheme that will enhance the current Barton Street environment without competing with the established retail businesses. A mix of small office premises, workshops and residential is proposed - uses that are normally found on the upper storeys of a thriving highstreet and equally suited to a backland courtyard where issues such as accessibility can be more satisfactorily addressed.

The design strategy is to reinforce the historic identity of the conservation area by continuing the existing pattern of backland terraces, 'stitching in' a new row of buildings between Gothic Cottages in the West and Vauxhall Terrace on the East edge of the site. This, together with the retention of important original features (such as garden walls and other relics of Gloucester's industrial heritage) is intended to improve the visual coherence of the area. At the same time steps will be taken to increase permeability through the site by linking together existing paths and drives. The mix of building type proposed is intended to create a 24 hour pattern of use and increase passive surveillance within the area to discourage anti-social activities. The new terrace would create two courtyards, one with a commercial bias, directly linked to Barton Street by a passage-way under no. 145 and the other with a quieter residential focus. These informal backland squares would be connected by covered walkways, with strategic landscape interventions designed to punctuate key routes through the scheme.