Dutch's Corner

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Mixed-Use

We have discretely embedded a new development into this lively historic neighbourhood by introducing fourteen dwellings in three new blocks, each relating to its individual setting.

One edge of the site faces Mill Road, and has previously been a warehouse, garage, petrol station and most recently a furniture shop. The prominent forecourt was underused and had no positive impact on the street scene. The second part of the site fronts onto Ross Street, a typical road of terraced houses for which this area of Cambridge is well known. The central area was previously occupied by car parking and dilapidated garages. This area was the most sensitive given the tight relationship with the surrounding residential properties; a key intention was to avoid overlooking, respect privacy and avoid creating too much bulk.

The new development responds to these differing conditions by creating three distinct typologies: a mixed-use block fronting Mill Road, a terraced row on Ross Street, and a single-storey mews in the centre.

The Mill Road apartment block activates the street frontage with a retail unit and residential entrances. The sawtooth plan is taken from the way the neighbouring terraces step back and forth in line with the curve of the road. The material, scale and articulation of this block is inspired by the other buildings along Mill Road.

On Ross Street, the three new townhouses to sit comfortably alongside their buff brick, slate-roofed Victorian terraced neighbours. These homes follow the urban grain of the street, with front and rear gardens and off-street parking. The simple pitched roof terrace form is retained, with contemporary detailing to lift the scheme and ensure the buildings remain of their time.

Holland Place, the new central mews street, comprises five single-storey homes with grass roofs and private amenity spaces. These discrete houses have minimal impact on the area yet maintain a high quality of living space. A third brick colour is used to differentiate from the other typologies.

"At the design stage of the project and subsequently, CDC Studio have listened carefully to our requirements, aspirations and concerns, at the same time as bringing innovation and architectural understanding to the design. This approach enabled a collaborative and successful planning application. Their input during the detailed design and construction phases has been equally valuable – they have paid careful attention to, and shown clear understanding of, contractors’ concerns and budgetary constraints to enable the delivery of a high quality scheme. We have enjoyed working with CDC Studio and would have no hesitation in recommending them to others with similar requirements." - Client