Gascoigne West, London – Phase 1

Sustainability

Scandinavian urban design principles of social wellbeing are further embedded within the architectural and landscape design proposals, focussing on designing for community activities for the young and the elderly.

Phase 1 also includes sustainable design aspects, such as optimised access to sunlight and daylight within outdoor public and private spaces and incorporation of wind sheltering through architectural and landscape design to improve outdoor comfort, which in turn enables greater social and community activities outdoors, social inclusion, and healthy and active lifestyles. Playful and thoughtful design will encourage a community to thrive and engage with the wider neighbourhood.

High-quality space

The proposal seeks to deliver high-quality landscape and public realm, with a strong focus on providing spaces for all to enjoy. Improving connections to the site and surrounding areas was identified as a key goal early in the project, ensuring that the design is built upon existing amenities in order to ensure the development sits comfortably in its context. The design is centred around a clearly defined hierarchy of public squares, local greens, semi-private gardens and private courtyard.

The form of the three buildings, and their placement on the site, facilitate active use of the outdoor communal space. The landscape design strategy helps to develop the character of the different areas within the site, enhancing legibility, strengthening identity and creating a place to call home.

Block design and façade expression

A framework of facade types has been developed for each block, lending a sense of variety to the project, whilst defining the buildings as separate entities. All of these types do however adhere to the same overarching design principles which makes them clearly identifiable as parts of the same development. The general principles set out a series of criteria such as brick dimensions, window sizes, types of balustrades and copings, which then vary in colour and appearance between each block. The result is a series of well defined, pared-back facades that offer a generous sense of depth and articulation.