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PROJECT REPORT: RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
its surroundings and contributing to the desired high quality fi nish, the materials were also chosen for their resilience and non-combustibility. “The material palette balances durability, fi re safety and aesthetics,” HNW Architects explained. As well as the nearby buildings, the development’s proximity to the elevated Westway A40 dual carriageway also had to be considered during the design stage. Acoustic performance, air quality and fi re safety all came into play in relation to this, ultimately “shaping both the facade and internal layouts,” explains HNW Architects.
Outdoor spaces AFFORDABLE WIN
The scheme won the Inside Housing award for Best Affordable Housing Development under £20m in 2024 Photos © Peter Langdown
The fi nal decision on tenures was balanced between local housing needs and fi nancial viability
particularly given the busy and already highly built up location, was particularly important. From our conversations with PRP Architects, “The concept took inspiration from the local built environment, particularly the distinctive brick textures of Al-Manaar, to ensure the development felt integrated within its surroundings,” HNW Architects explained. “The primary design inspiration takes cues from local building materials and features.” In particular the decision to utilise a traditional red masonry facade was inspired by the Al-Manaar centre, with the bricks laid in a distinctive herringbone pattern. “The facade establishes a visual dialogue with the neighbouring Al-Manaar Centre, reinforcing a sense of place and grounding the building within its context,” HNW Architects explains. “This design element is carried throughout the external envelope, with its pattern density adapting based on its position on the elevation.” As envisaged by PRP Architects, the red brick has been interspersed with rich brown bricks and white bricks. The brown bricks have been laid in a soldier course arrangement, to “create a cohesive visual language, aligning full height windows with raised cill openings for bathrooms and kitchens,” HNW Architects explains. “White brick surrounds and deep reveals add depth, while dark brown aluminium window frames and matching balustrades create a refi ned, cohesive fi nish.” As well as neatly tying the building to
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Another key factor which infl uenced the design was the need for outdoor amenity space – often hard to come by in such central locations – resulting in the inclusion of a third fl oor podium garden. “The design prioritises occupant welfare through features such as the winter gardens and fully accessible podium garden, offering residents a tranquil retreat and place to interact with neighbours,” says HNW Architects.
The garden – which was considered
to be a “vital outdoor retreat” – includes “thoughtful” landscaping alongside ornamental seating, benches, and tables for socialising and dining, and play elements for young children, to create a “welcoming, user-friendly outdoor space.” There are also raised metal planters and timber seating which add to the garden’s character, and enhance biodiversity. The decision to situate the garden on the third fl oor was infl uenced by the need to optimise land use.
Tenure-blind form The overall fi nal volume of the building was another decision that was meticulously considered, weighing up the potential of the site with planning, environmental and spatial considerations. A townscape study was undertaken by PRP Architects, which assessed a total of fi ve massing options. The study considered elements such as structural needs, MEP, fi re safety, residential service needs, rights of light and overshadowing. In the end an eight storey form was decided upon, stepping down to the north west to transition more seamlessly to the neighbouring homes, and increasing at the opposite south east end to create a visual landmark from the Westway road. “Chamfered elevations orient dwellings away from traffi c, enhancing frontage
ADF MARCH 2025
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