Ingress Park

The architectural approach needed to be consistent across the eight different character areas in the development. The first phase contains some reinterpretation of the Kent vernacular with references picked up from the restored Ingress Abbey. Restricting the palette of materials added to the coherence.

The 29 ha development sits between the Thames waterfront and the extensively landscaped parkland. A 24 metre drop from the top of the site, incorporating cliff faces and level changes, gives extensive views over the roofs of the houses down to the river, which although visually exciting created design complexities and resulted in the roofscape being treated as the 'fifth elevation'.

The actual housing clusters are grouped in such a way to create interesting spaces throughout the development, with the incorporation of pedestrianised public areas through which the spine road is threaded. This movement strategy puts the pedestrian as priority and promotes public transport.

Materials for the completed houses are, on the whole, traditional red brick, with parking provided in bays or private garages. All residents will have a parking bay or garage, but parking does not dominate. Footpath links and cycle routes run through the site.