Cala Domus

Character

Cala Domus is a unique, original concept in housing, combining contemporary architectural expression with pedestrian friendly streets and lanes. Materials are varied, modern and colourful, and a landmark for the scheme is created by the copper-clad residential Chase Tower. All these elements combine to create a strong sense of place.

Cala Domus, as the name suggests, is predominantly a residential scheme although there are some flexible spaces that could be used for live/work. The live/work spaces should help to keep the neighbourhood active with people during the day and prevents the 'dormitory' feel of standard housing schemes.

Public spaces are well overlooked and the street layout is permeable for pedestrians. Strong architectural features, pedestrian through routes and focal corner buildings such as Chase Tower make navigation easy. All units are within 60 metres of new parkland.

Roads, parking and pedestrianisation

Most of the car parking is provided off-street behind the building line in 2.9m wide garages with accommodation above, and small parking courts of up to four spaces at the rear of selected gardens. However, limited parking is also provided on street where suitable. This mix of parking solutions means that while the car does not dominate the streetscape, people walking to and from cars keep the streets active.

A tight building layout with strong architectural expression defines the streetscape. Cars are forced to slow down at crossroads by sharply raised platforms which are designed as shared surfaces with pedestrians. Cycle and pedestrians routes connect through the site so pedestrians can access the green and community facilities by the shortest possible route.

The street pattern fits into other phases of New Hall to coordinate with the overall masterplan. Natural surveillance is provided by the numerous windows which overlook pedestrian routes.

Design and construction

The design is site-specific to respond directly to the masterplan and design codes, while introducing the variety, vibrancy and technical innovation of the architects. Detailed negotiations with the Highways Authority resulted in pedestrian priority on the streets, with small pedestrian squares provided. High quality materials including granite and bonded gravel create a robust feel in the public spaces. All units are a short walk from a large public green square with children’s playground.

High level materials used and technical innovation (such as glazing that creates passive solar heating gain) help homes to exceed building regulations on heat-loss and SAP ratings.

Construction innovation has also been incorporated, with highly insulated wall and roof panels manufactured off-site in timber frame.

PCKO have incorporated their unique concept of a 'living wall' into most units. This is a one metre deep strip running through units that provides space for all services distribution (such as pipes and electric cables) as well as providing storage options internally and externally for refuse and recycling. The living wall also has the potential to be adapted for other use as technologies change over time. All wet rooms and most habitable spaces adjoin the living wall for easy service connections.

Environment and community

Most Cala Domus homes are within 200m of a planned bus route and all are within 400m.

The factory built panels used on homes are precise and energy efficient, reducing heating bills and they also reduce construction time on site, both of which reduce the environmental impact of the new build. Provision of cycle storage in garages and within one apartment block also encourage the use of sustainable transport. The photo-voltaic panels used on the Chase tower provide energy efficient electricity and serve as a landmark to encourage energy-efficient future developments.

A wide variety of accommodation, from two bedroom flats and maisonettes to three and four bedroom townhouses (some with mews studios to allow for live/work potential) ensure the scheme will be home to a mix of residents. Sales prices are however very high, due to the desirable location and high quality environment of Newhall and the high specification of the units. So Cala Domus will not offer a foot on the ladder for most first time buyers.

The Newhall Residents Association is responsible for decisions on maintenance of soft landscaping and street trees and management of a neighbourhood centre, which is planned to for the next phase of New Hall. This should provide a platform to help knit the community.