Local design project...

GREENBOOTH Village, Norden THIS new ‘hillside hamlet’ at Norden comprises 42 detached, semi-detached and mews homes from three to five bedroom. The houses follow a traditional style and vernacular based on that found in the local villages, featuring stone lintels, grey slate roofs, and sandstone sourced from a Yorkshire quarry.

While the forms of the properties are traditional, the design also incorporates clean contemporary lines. Elevations are simple and regular; varied ridge heights contribute to the character and add visual interest. Garden walls are hand built by stonemasons reflecting traditional drystone walls. Properties are oriented to maximise views from upper windows of the two nearby waterbodies.

The design concept is founded on the creation of an attractive, safe and convenient network of streets that supports and encourages pedestrian and cycle movement while accommodating the needs of the car and service vehicles. There is a strong and defined built form and the layout flows in a way that creates interesting street scenes when looking into the development, and maximises views in all directions when looking out. The original culvert between the mill pond and Greenbooth Reservoir has been replaced with a new watercourse running through the site, creating an attractive water feature, emptying into the reservoir via a newly-installed waterfall; a stream-side planting scheme incorporating indigenous plants and shrubs creates a sustainable habitat for local wildlife. The homes use an average of 10 per cent less energy due to the limitation of heat loss across the building envelope thanks to the selection of appropriate materials, known as the fabric first approach. RESIDENTIAL development, Birch Hill Hospital, Wardle THE impressive former Dearnley Workhouse, built in 1877 and situated in a Conservation Area, has been converted into 44 apartments over three floors and six townhouses.

The complexities involved with working with a long-term disused structure have been overcome and architectural features enhanced with original materials used where possible.

The townhouses have been created within what was once the refectory portion of the workhouse and hospital, making full use of the vaulted ceilings which adds detailing and interest with large elegant windows retained.

Two further homes are incorporated into the refurbishment of the chapel building which is nestled across the public open space, the design drawing on the existing fabric and enhancing the building within its setting. Externally the boundary wall and entrance tower have been restored and retained to tie the new build portion of the development within the historic setting of the site.

There are a further 319 carefully designed dwellings across the site. Where possible the natural topography and landscape of the site have been retained; trees have been incorporated within the development, providing natural boundaries thus creating ‘isolated pockets of development’ helping to minimise the impact on the Conservation Area.

Footpaths have been included within the design of the development, making the site highly accessible by foot, as well as allowing easy access to the areas of open green space and the local primary school.

The gaps within the development have been utilised effectively, offering additional green space allowing for enlarged views of the original workhouse.

Overall, the residential development provides a sustainable use for the site and ensures that the iconic buildings will be maintained for future generations.