You only have to take a glance at this set of four-square brick-faced buildings to see their inspiration. The Barge Arm Buildings developed by Crest Nicholson and designed by Edward Cullinan Architects took their cue from the historic dockyard buildings of their Gloucester Docks setting.
Specifically, the proportions and scale were taken from the adjacent Biddle and Shipton warehouses, the oldest and smallest of the warehouses in the area. The new buildings’ location, set back slightly from the dock inlet, also mimics that of its neighbours and creates a broad thoroughfare along the regenerated waterfront. The scheme is made up of five new buildings containing 84 apartments plus four commercial units, two retail units and a multi-storey car park. All of the new buildings complement their surroundings, their brick elevations with black timber detailing echoing the construction materials of their august companions. Black timber clad bedrooms cantilever over the front elevation of one building in a contemporary re-interpretation of the timber pulley rooms on the existing warehouses. The most obvious contrast with the existing warehouses is the Barge Arm Buildings’ large windows.
Another noticeable contrast comes from 21st century environmental concerns. The scheme’s external timber comes from certified sources, while rainwater is collected to water the plants in the buildings’ internal courtyard. As a result, the buildings have been rated as very good and excellent under the Eco-Homes environmental measurement system.
ARCHITECT:
Edward Cullinan Architects
Address:
1 Baldwin Terrace
London
N1 7RU
Tel: 020 7704 1975
Fax: 020 7354 2739
Website: www.edwardcullinanarchitects.com
Contact: Helen Attridge
HOMEBUILDER:
Crest Nicholson South West
Address:
Crest House
Lime Kiln Close
Stoke Gifford
Bristol
BS34 8ST
Tel: 0117 923 6600
Fax: 0117 969 5792
Website: www.crestnicholson.com
