Ravenswood is a large-scale new community built in
the traditional vernacular style on the outskirts of
Ipswich. At Site I South Persimmon Homes Anglia
Region continued the masterplan concept for the
community and delivered 12 shared ownership and
nine rental apartments, as well as two high
dependency type bungalows, for Flagship Housing
Group.
The form of RMA Architects' design takes its lead
from adjacent built sites in the community and from the Suffolk vernacular. The architects have created a
safe and accessible environment where quality of life
and community cohesion are high priorities.
The apartment blocks define the street frontage, their
strong and coherent form addressing the public realm
on all sides. The layout creates a protected core at the
centre of the block structure with sheltered car
parking courts and private and shared garden spaces.
These areas are accessed via drive-through points.
The 12 shared ownership apartments are arranged
around the inner parking court and are divided into
five blocks with three stair cores. Building heights vary
from single to two and three storeys, the taller block
articulating a road junction.
The nine rental apartments are in three small blocks
around a parking court. Block heights vary from one
and a half to three storeys, with dormer windows
incorporated to generate variation of roof forms and
heights. The high dependency bungalows have their
own private gardens.
The Ravenswood master plan encouraged subtle
changes in style and design across the site and this
has been reflected with changes in height and
materials, while at the same time maintaining
common details. The design uses the forms and
shapes of the local vernacular, but includes modern
details to enliven the scheme. Building materials
include roofing slates, coloured renders, light yellow
brick and dark boarding.
Public spaces are carefully defined to encourage
ownership. Residents from completed developments
have begun to populate and use the village green,
and Site I residents are likely to join them. It is hoped
that this will help nurture a new mixed community
which takes pride in its open spaces. |
