Gun Wharf

Character

The scheme brings an exceptional improvement to the nature of the area, with some of the materials used invoking the historic quality of the area and the nearby dockyards. This, coupled with a fresh approach to design, gives the area a much needed sense of rejuvenation, with the potential to inspire future developments. The basis of a central, open space modelled on a Georgian circus, gives the whole development a focus, and helps determine an identity, whilst providing a simple means by which to orientate oneself. It acts as a public garden and a central visual focus to the scheme.

A 'corridor' running the length of the site, giving views of the waterfront, bisects the central circus. The distinctive pitched slate and copper roof lines dramatise the change in height across the site, with a variation in typology and height that accentuates the variety of the façades.

Roads, parking and pedestrianisation

The layout of buildings follows the main axis, running east to west, providing access from either end. Streets and squares were designed with the intention of giving pedestrians priority over vehicles as part of the Home Zone model. As a result vehicles are limited to 12 mph, which creates a safe environment around the accommodation.

Parking is integrated at 45 degrees on the central avenue, on-street around the circus, and in bays along the entrance road. The Home Zone principle is aimed at increasing quality of living by removing traffic barriers that militate against neighbourliness. The scheme retains original elements such as cobbled streets, and new textured surfaces help define parking bays and boundaries without the need for raised curbs and painted lines. The pedestrian and the car exist comfortably together in the spaces around the housing.

Design and construction

The housing layout is varied and unique to the scheme. The simple palette of materials echoes the ordered nature of a Georgian terraced street. The robust nature of the streets and circus, using a mixture of hard materials and some soft planting, makes the public spaces low maintenance. A phased construction has allowed existing residents to be re-housed at an orderly pace.

The houses offer a limited amount of versatility and possibility for future adaptation, but the internal non-load bearing walls allow for future owners to adapt the size the living spaces to best suit their needs. Parts of the exterior use specialist untreated UTILE timber cladding, which gives the façades a textural quality and colour that will weather well. The timber also features in the large front windows, well detailed and allowing natural light into the living spaces and providing spectacular views.

The development satisfies all of the statutory requirements current during the design process, with the additional consideration of the Home Zone element. The scheme has acted as a catalyst for the area with future developments already planned on an adjacent site.

Environment and community

The location of the scheme allows easy access to local bus services and it is less than a mile from the Torpoint ferry for foot and car passengers. Future developments linking to the scheme may provide easier access to local shops and amenities.

The scheme uses locally sourced products wherever possible. Existing cobbles remain and crushed local granite was used in some of the masonry. Timber windows and cladding are successfully used, contrary to Devon and Cornwell Housing Association's preference of UPVC.

There is an appropriate tenure mix, determined by guidelines set up by Plymouth County Council to ensure that a housing mix was provided in accordance with local community and existing residents requirements, ranging from 1 bedroom apartments and maisonettes to 3 and 4 bedroom coach houses with studio workshops on the ground floor.

This scheme provides a variety of environments and experiences for the residents: cobbled streets with well integrated parking, a circus, or public garden as a central feature, and access to the waterfront.