Client: Urban Splash with Great Places Housing Group, English Partnerships and North East Manchester Regeneration
Location: Ancoats, Manchester
Budget: ???1.47m
Area: 1,600 sqm (14 houses)
Guest Street is the 2nd realised development after FAT Architects ??????Woodward Place?????? to take shape on Urban Splash??????s pioneering 29 acre New Islington site in Manchester.
DMFK won an RIBA competition, judged by the future residents to design 14 houses within the New Islington masterplan. We worked closely with the residents throughout to arrive at the final design. The Will Alsop masterplan encourages a range of diverse design approaches which enabled us to give this scheme it??????s own identity.
The resulting project is fusion of textural modernism with the typology of the 19th Century terrace. We employed sharp, robust detailing, rugged contrasting brick types to echo the context, and thoughtful internal planning to reflect the needs of the residents with whom the project was designed. The houses are triple aspect with private courtyards and huge dramatic windows.
The site is bounded by existing social housing and a Will Alsop designed private block across a vibrant pedestrian street that will connect the existing Cardroom estate to New Islington. As such, it is crucial in its ambition to knit the new communities to the old.
The aesthetic of the building responds to its context, present and future. Forms are articulated to enable their clear reading from all sides including above. Green roofs ensure the roof elevation will be vibrant to those looking down on it.
4 contrasting bricks provide a robust quality and patina. Influences are drawn from local Mill buildings, patterns of mews buildings, engineering structures and the original Cardroom estate. Three Lifetime home standard types were created achieving Eco Homes ??????excellent?????? ratings incorporating innovative CHP units.
The project was completed on time, to budget and occupied in February 2007.
Winner - Housing Design Awards 2006 ??????? Best Metropolitan Scheme
Runner up - Housing Design Awards 2007 ??????? Best completed public housing scheme
Gold Medal - What House Awards ??????? Best Parnership Development
Runner up ??????? Daily Telegraph Your Home Awards ??????? Best Ecological Development
Shortlisted for RIBA Northwest Awards
Shortlisted for Brick Development Awards ??????? Best Public Housing development
