MAY GURNEY
A gateway to a new piece of Norwich. Placemaking around 130 units. Marrying the industrial fringe and the quaint village vernacular to create a unique character. A proposal undeniably born, bred and raised out of its specific locality. A true Norwich native, through and through!
May Gurney is a gateway parcel of land that forms part of a 650 unit masterplan on the south east of Norwich. The 130 unit gateway is focused around the divergence in architectural styles between the industrial eastern fringes of Norwich City Centre and the quaint architectural vernacular of Trouse village, to the east. This convergence in architectural language creates a unique and individual response to the locality.
Blending the industrial city into the quaint suburban fringes gave the site a unique challenge. Both typologies are subtly referenced and intertwined within the design to create a new community focused around place making. Asymmetric roof forms meet towering and ornate chimneys to create an exciting masterplan arrival node.
(01) THE STREET FLATS
(02) VILLAGE GREEN
(03) SANG
(04) RIVER YARE
Planning – Outline approval for the overall masterplan was recently granted with reserved matters likely to proceed in the near future. The local authority were excited by the localism approach, with particular interest in the variety in scales of architecture, the abundance of green play space. Key spaces include a perimeter river walk, a village green, corner shops and local pub- what more could you want?
Planning – Outline approval for the overall masterplan was recently granted with reserved matters likely to proceed in the near future. The local authority were excited by the localism approach, with particular interest in the variety in scales of architecture, the abundance of green play space. Key spaces include a perimeter river walk, a village green, corner shops and local pub- what more could you want?
River Yare – Surrounding the site is the River Yare. The peninsular to the North East of the site is an area that has been allocated as a nature reserve with views out over the river, which spills out into the village green. The bird watch tower culminates at the top of the peninsular, offering fantastic views out over the wetlands.
Industrial to Rural – West of the proposal is the industrial quarter of Norwich City Centre, east is the rural village of Trowse Newton. The site has become an important transitional section along ‘The Street’ that intertwines two very different architectural styles together creates a smooth metamorphosis in scale and design.
Village Green – A key design principle was to create a local community within the island that was self-sustainable. Having a large area of public amenity was therefore a must, and further emphasised the village feel that was aimed to be achieved. There aren’t enough village greens kicking around these days.
