Blackdog Way

Quattro’s residential architects’ client brief required a high-density apartment building with an element of office and commercial use on the ground floor. In total there are 94 apartments that range in type from general needs accommodation, to wheelchair accessible living, and ‘move on’ accommodation, with the shell of an adaptable commercial space (either 1 or 2 units depending on letting requirements) having a separate access at street level.

The layout of the scheme was largely driven by the space restrictions on site, requiring the building to be set over four-storeys. In addition, further site constraints such as the immediate proximity of a main arterial road (acoustic upgrade to walls, openings, vents etc required) and the existing River Twyer culvert running underground along the north-east boundary, all required an adaptable layout to take into account these constraints.

In terms of appearance, it was our aim to provide a contemporary, attractive and appropriate scheme reflecting the scale of the surrounding built form, whilst also adhering to the Conservation Area within which the site is located. The main elevation is predominantly dressed in brick slip with different bonding styles and recessed panels to break up the massing and impact of the large building. At a higher level, a step in the elevation is used to reduce the impact of the development and introduce a cladding panel material to lighten the form and add interest.

Once planning approval had been gained, Quattro was novated to the winning Main Contractor to produce the Technical Drawing Package for the construction of the development under Design & Build Contract. This extended our scope of works from RIBA stages 3 – 6.

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