The contemporary, modern design of the building, although different from the buildings nearby provide architectural continuity between the eclectic styles. The scheme involves screened balconies to the front and side elevations, which adds a layered visual interest to the building and an increased degree of natural surveillance. The proposed external materials would be brick, cladding, steel balustrades on the balconies and powder coated aluminium French windows.
New build block of 9 flats
The brief is for the redevelopment of a row of single-storey automotive repair and servicing garages, sandwiched between a terrace of two-storey purpose-built maisonettes to the west and a currently under construction four-storey residential flatted development to the east
The proposed scheme would provide a mixture of 1b Studio, 1 Bedroom 2 Bedroom and 3 Bedroom self-contained flats. The internal layout of the proposed flats would achieve a high living standard. The proposed layout would allow pedestrians to access the block of flats from Essex Park Mews and allow the occupiers to access the refuse and bike storage as they enter or leave the building. The south-facing windows in each flat which are floor-to-ceiling height windows would allow substantial amounts of natural light and ventilation in all habitable rooms. Furthermore, all flats including the ground floor are double aspect and of a high quality of living accommodation. This has been achieved by a rear ‘winter garden area’ or outdoor space provided at the rear of the ground floor, which enables natural light to enter the rear of the flats.
The building has been purposely withdrawn to create defensible space to the ground and first floor, with planters and perforated brick screens creating a defensible buffer zone between the building line and the public footpath.