Posted 16 November 2016 by
Ben SalisburyOne of the most important aspects of housebuilding is the transformation a new development can have on the area it is located in.
Old, dilapidated buildings that have fallen into disrepair can be redefined for another purpose breathing new life into a neighbourhood.
Buildings that were suitable for industries that have become obsolete can be refashioned to meet the needs of modern-day living to create new communities.
For generations the UK’s largest cities have been following this process, with the use of buildings changing as the demands of business and residential use change and industries evolve and die out.
In Manchester, in 1982, close to the canal, a former boat showroom became one of the UK’s leading nightclubs, the Hacienda, which eventually ran its course and by 1997 was being redeveloped as residential apartments.
London, of course, is a city that over history has proved to be constantly changing and re-inventing itself. There are many examples of how the use of buildings has changed over time and over many centuries, more recently including the transformation of the docklands area since the early 1980’s and the creation of a new financial district in and around Canary Wharf.
In this feature we look at five recent examples of new developments that include transformational architecture creating new residential living spaces from buildings that were previously used for another purpose.
All of the new build developments featured have been nominated for various categories in the WhatHouse? Awards 2016.
Bath Riverside (Crest Nicholson Regeneration)
This conversion of a site that was previously a crane manufacturing plant is a highly ambitious project and when complete will be made up of 2,000 new contemporary homes, a new school, student accommodation and commercial premises.
The 44-acre site first began to develop in Victorian times and by the 1890’s was a thriving hub of industrialisation. The site is close to the centre of Bath and is transforming Bath’s western riverfront into a modern residential space.
Sterling prize winner Feilden Clegg Bradley conceived and created the original masterplan for this site. The aim was to create a contemporary interpretation of Bath’s squares.
Prices: From £360,000
Find out more about Bath Riverside from Crest Nicholson
Calderwood Village (Dundas Estates)
The layout for this development in North Lanarkshire does not replace an old historic building but is designed to be an example for other developments to follow.
The aim was to provide contemporary styled, well detailed homes which reflect local tradition and to be distinct in character.
Phase 1 of the development integrates with the existing and developing urban and suburban areas and a new road is intended to link eastwards to other residential areas and beyond.
The homes themselves are a mix of bespoke and standard house types with a varied mix of dwellings for different sized families. Creating a sustainable community and a new community hub is a priority for this development.
Price: POA
Find out more: www.dundas.co.uk
Clock House Gardens, Welwyn (Developing London)
Clock House Gardens has led to the transformation of a derelict former hotel site into a new residential community with 50 homes on a gateway site into Welwyn town centre.
With the A1 motorway on one side and woodland on the other, the unique combination of urban and rural surroundings and the challenge this gives in terms of reducing noise and pollution has led the developers to see Clock House Gardens as a modern take on a walled village with buildings constructed to minimise effects from the road and maximise the benefits of the neighbouring woodland.
The residential buildings are made up of five blocks of two and three storeys organised to create an enclosed shared area with a courtyard garden offering a community space for this scheme aimed at first-time buyers.
Price: From £299,950
Find out more: www.developing-london.com
Kewside, Brentford (Bugler Homes/Notting Hill Housing)
This boutique development between Brentford and Chiswick has an enviable riverside location, with each apartment having a unique river view and overlooking an uninhabited tree covered island.
The development is made up of 35 one, two and three-bedroom homes, 16 of which were for sale through shared ownership. KewSide has been developed on a brownfield site that was previously a vacant office block.
The new riverside buildings feature a gable fronted design and the architectural treatment of the buildings aimed to integrate private screening for the comfort of residents, using bay windows to increase privacy for individual homes.
Price: POA
Find out more: www.kewside.co.uk
Old Bank Works, Huddersfield (SB Homes)
SB Homes only ever develop on brownfield sites focusing on developing derelict sites that are often steeped in local history.
This development features 10 homes situated alongside the front of a canal and just a two minute walk from the centre of Slaithwaite village.
Old Banks Works is positioned just 25 metres away from two listed buildings and the architects knew that it would be a challenge to get plans agreed that would be satisfactory to all parties, including Historic England.
Architectural innovations that were needed included lifting and replacing the original roof and add a further storey providing three extra apartments and that the design should be of a high standard to protect and enhance the character and appearance of the Conservation Area.
Price: Sold out
Find out more: www.sbhomes.co.uk