The 151-home Queensbridge Quarter development
forms part of the regeneration of the Holly Street
Estate in the London Fields area of Hackney.
The three-bedroom home provides a fresh take on
the traditional urban terraced house.
The house is
fronted by a low brick wall and railings, a combination
that creates a traditional streetscape and blends with
the existing Victorian terraced houses in the adjacent
Queensbridge conservation area.
The house itself is faced in dark blue brick and
contrasting white render, while timber feature panels
add texture and interest to the elevations. Internally, the
1,089 square foot house has an open plan living area
with clearly delineated kitchen, supplementary storage
space below the stairs and in the attic, three
bedrooms and a bathroom with built-in storage. The
first floor landing features a double height ceiling and
skylight, the latter providing natural light and
summertime cooling.
Homes are designed for energy efficiency, with
thermal insulation and airtightness far exceeding
building regulations requirements. The extra thickness
of the walls and roof increase U values by up to 50%.
A draught lobby reduces heat loss and extensive
glazing minimises the need for artificial lighting by day.
The roof is pitched at 30 degrees as a future-proofing
measure, as this makes it suitable for the installation
of solar panels. Other energy saving features include
the use of natural cross ventilation, low energy
centralised extract fans and low energy lighting. The five storey apartment building was developed by
United House Developments, working with Hackney
Homes. The design by Levitt Bernstein includes 28
one and two bedroom apartments and two
penthouses. The striking exterior combines dark blue
brick, white render and timber, with large glass and
steel balconies. Building corners are marked by
expanses of vertical timber cladding. The penthouses
are clad in coloured glass, with their colours reflecting
the hues of passing clouds. There are more splashes
of colour at the building's entrances, to give warmth. and individuality to the foyers.
Each apartment is accessed via its own private
balcony. Apartment entrance halls and living areas
have hardwood walnut flooring, while the open plan
living area has floor-to-ceiling windows and an 11 sq
metre wraparound balcony.
The thermal insulation and air tightness of the homes
far exceeds the requirements of the Building
Regulations. Extra thick walls and roofs have
increased U values by 50%, while draught lobbies
minimise heat loss. Other energy saving features
include natural cross ventilation to all apartments, low
energy centralised extract fans and low energy lighting.
Water use is minimised by the inclusion of dual flush
low volume toilets, spray taps and water butts for
ground floor homes.
The building overlooks a small landscaped courtyard
and cycle sheds, which are topped by sedum roofs.
Apartments are priced at from £300,000 and both the
penthouses sold off plan for in excess of £500,000.
The development is one element of the regeneration
of the Holly Street Estate in the London Fields area of
Hackney, which will ultimately provide 151 apartments
and houses on a 1.2 hectare site. The first phase is
complete and all private homes are now sold or occupied. Completion of the second phase is
expected in 2010.
|
