Photography Credit: Philip Vile
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Mixed use
Mixed use
This project, designed by MCW Architects for GCR Camprop, is on a site overlooking the Mill Pond in the heart of Cambridge which has been occupied by a building for over 300 years. As the existing building was identified as a ‘building which detracts’ within the local conservation area appraisal, it represented a unique opportunity to re-energise a focal, corner site within this rich urban context with a carefully crafted replacement.
This project, designed by MCW Architects for GCR Camprop, is on a site overlooking the Mill Pond in the heart of Cambridge which has been occupied by a building for over 300 years. As the existing building was identified as a ‘building which detracts’ within the local conservation area appraisal, it represented a unique opportunity to re-energise a focal, corner site within this rich urban context with a carefully crafted replacement.
Our brief was to design a high quality, fully accessible mixed-use scheme, offering 1bed or studio apartments above a ground floor commercial unit. To deliver this successfully on such a sensitive site required a fully considered response achieved through the dedicated engagement of the client, local authority and local interest groups throughout the design process.
Our brief was to design a high quality, fully accessible mixed-use scheme, offering 1bed or studio apartments above a ground floor commercial unit. To deliver this successfully on such a sensitive site required a fully considered response achieved through the dedicated engagement of the client, local authority and local interest groups throughout the design process.
In response to the predominance of traditional pitched roofed and gabled buildings that form the immediate context, we developed an innovative approach to the brief with the primary concept of a close cluster of pitched roofed and gabled elements arranged to address the adjacent mill and this important point as Newnham Road turns gently into the Backs. The design was devised with a focus on the contemporary interpretation of traditional materials in response to a sensitive setting.
In response to the predominance of traditional pitched roofed and gabled buildings that form the immediate context, we developed an innovative approach to the brief with the primary concept of a close cluster of pitched roofed and gabled elements arranged to address the adjacent mill and this important point as Newnham Road turns gently into the Backs. The design was devised with a focus on the contemporary interpretation of traditional materials in response to a sensitive setting.
There are three distinct elements to the composition. Two, splayed and gabled forms address the corner of the site. These reflect the composition of the existing building and create a stronger presence, making a sense of place without competing with the adjacent listed buildings. A third, longer and linear volume provides a more positive edge to the adjacent lane. This ad-hoc arrangement of forms reflects the gently shifting geometry of the urban grain around the site and provides an effective way of slightly increasing scale on the apex to accommodate the additional storey within the roof form.
There are three distinct elements to the composition. Two, splayed and gabled forms address the corner of the site. These reflect the composition of the existing building and create a stronger presence, making a sense of place without competing with the adjacent listed buildings. A third, longer and linear volume provides a more positive edge to the adjacent lane. This ad-hoc arrangement of forms reflects the gently shifting geometry of the urban grain around the site and provides an effective way of slightly increasing scale on the apex to accommodate the additional storey within the roof form.
The project makes a positive contribution to the immediate townscape and public realm with the introduction of an active street frontage which will bring life and colour to a street corner that had lost its community and social identity. The pavement space as it turns the corner is more generous and the projecting upper floors provide welcome shelter. The large, deep set splayed windows above with their splayed reveals afford visitors staying in the short term let apartment some unique views of quintessential Cambridge life.
The project makes a positive contribution to the immediate townscape and public realm with the introduction of an active street frontage which will bring life and colour to a street corner that had lost its community and social identity. The pavement space as it turns the corner is more generous and the projecting upper floors provide welcome shelter. The large, deep set splayed windows above with their splayed reveals afford visitors staying in the short term let apartment some unique views of quintessential Cambridge life.
PROJECT INFORMATION
PROJECT INFORMATION
Status: Built
Status: Built
Location: 31 Newham Road CB3
Location: 31 Newham Road CB3
Size: 560sqm
Size: 560sqm
Completed: 2022
Completed: 2022
TEAM CREDITS
TEAM CREDITS
Architect: MCW architects
Architect: MCW architects
Client: GCR Camprop
Client: GCR Camprop
Structural Engineer: (to planning) Conisbee (post planning) Cooper Associates
Structural Engineer: (to planning) Conisbee (post planning) Cooper Associates
Planning Consultant: Carter Jonas
Planning Consultant: Carter Jonas
Cost Consultant: Project Eleven
Cost Consultant: Project Eleven
Contractor: Camprop Construction
Contractor: Camprop Construction
Heritage Consultant: Donald Insall Associates
Heritage Consultant: Donald Insall Associates
Civil Engineer: CAR
Civil Engineer: CAR
MEP: Scotch Partners
MEP: Scotch Partners
Acoustic Consultant: Cass Allen
Acoustic Consultant: Cass Allen
Approved Inspector: Shore
Approved Inspector: Shore
Party Wall Surveyor: Award Associates
Party Wall Surveyor: Award Associates
Façade Analysis: Greengauge
Façade Analysis: Greengauge
Fire Consultant: GB Compliance
Fire Consultant: GB Compliance