STRATFIELD ROAD
Two sites in one, intertwined within existing three storey flats required a unique approach to response suitably to the constraints.
Two sites in one, intertwined within existing three storey flats required a unique approach to respond suitably to the constraints. An anchor block on a prominent street corner, stitching into two existing buildings creates a new corner condition for the street whilst a run of terrace houses completes the residential block to the rear around a communal landscaped garden.
The central garden, developed closely with Match Landscape Architects was a key design decision to assist with seamlessly blending the proposal into the existing site condition. This central hub of shared amenity knits the existing and proposed together and provides a greatly improved public realm offering.
Drawing inspiration from the local context, whilst providing an exemplary contemporary response was central to the development of the aesthetic approach. A high quality material palette of warm red bricks and red tiles are evocative of the local traditional architecture, complemented with playful red and green moments to tie the concept together.
Asymmetric gables are prevalent across the residential streets of Borehamwood. The large asymmetric gable adds to the interest of the elevations and contribute to their setting. The gable steps out to a flat parapet at the junction to the neighbouring building to connect the new massing visually to the existing eaves along the streetscape. This move softens the mass and sets the building comfortably within its context.
Given the nature of the site being surrounded by existing residential buildings, overlooking had to be addressed in a more detailed way than overall distance. Angling the building form and planting of trees within the landscaped masterplan mitigates views between the neighbouring windows.
