New Park
B5 is the first residential phase of the 38 hectare Clapham Park regeneration masterplan, and sets a design precedent for future phases. Built by Clapham Park Homes, the scheme provides 85 affordable homes for rent, including 15 family maisonettes, 20 apartments for the elderly and 10 wheelchair compliant apartments. The unusual nature of the development allowed PRP Architects to design, through consultation, homes for pre-allocated residents, so the end user was at the heart of the design process. Careful proportioning of windows and rhythm along the façade has created a street feel that is not normally associated with higher density development.
The robust public urban outer edge is elevated in brick and punctuated with deep-set windows and openings, and contrasts with the softer, private inner courtyard. Scale and massing are used to distinguish between the grander six-storey park edge and the more intimate traditional urban street. Homes are designed for functionality. Semi-recessed balconies and terraces are large enough for a table and chairs for all occupants and have glass balustrades for visibility. Storage cupboards are discreetly designed into entrance and balcony recesses. Layouts and access maximise the number of family maisonettes at ground level with private front doors. The flexible internal layout of kitchens, dining and living rooms can adapt to differing lifestyles. This phase is designed to level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes, but can easily be upgraded to level 4. It has a gas fired combined heat and power (CHP) system, which will later link to the wider Clapham Park CHP system. High levels of insulation and high performing windows have been installed throughout, along with a bio-diverse brown roof. The design is based on passive principles, maximising solar gain and daylight levels while balconies and upper floor louvres prevent overheating. All homes are dual aspect, facilitating good natural passive ventilation.
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