This ambitious mixed-use scheme for 120 new homes and 3500m2 of flexible retail space was driven by the need to set a high standard for the first stage of a wider regeneration initiative in central Chatham. The design makes a virtue of the site’s steep topography and diverse perimeter conditions to achieve smaller scale family accommodation along the top of the site whilst reinforcing The Brook, at the bottom of the site, as a major urban route. The articulation of the urban block is designed to create a strong, continuous edge at street level, whilst above, the massing is arranged to maximise the penetration of daylight into the buildings and spaces and to capitalise on views from the residential units. A richly landscaped pedestrian street within the development creates an intimate and clearly defined entry sequence, integrating semi-private amenity space, private gardens and secure cycle storage.
Facts....
Location:
Chatham, Kent
Client:
Medway Renaissance
Status:
RIBA Stage 3, 2008