Building on both an understanding of the site context and an understanding of the preferred location of certain key elements within the scheme a range of design approaches has been considered.
At the centre of our proposal is the desire to maintain the open, and where possible, landscaped qualities of the site. We have carried out a number of studies which seek to create and develop the idea of a traditional formal garden into which is woven a series of buildings that are located primarily to enclose and define the open space.
The studies look to maintain the soft landscape qualities of the site.
The various studies seek to explore differing relationships between the buildings and the open landscape and have been reviewed against the design aspirations.
Design study 1
Design study 2
Building structures arranged around a formal central garden.
The buildings address Highgate Hill in a particular manner, running parallel and creating a more continuous building edge.
The link to Dartmouth Park Hill and Waterlow Park is clearly defined.
The buildings form a series of small elements which allow the scheme to respond to the change in levels and break up the overall form of the building.
The buildings along Highgate Hill are set at right angles to Highgate Hill.
Whilst the gaps between the buildings create on one level a more open setting, the overall effect is a more “busy” development along this edge.
The building form sits in contrast to the form of development along Highgate Hill which are properties arranged in direct alignment with the road edge.
Design study 3
Design study 4
The forming of a traditional cloistered arrangement with a central garden and buildings forming the edges.
It is felt that with the changes in level the sense of enclosure and repose will not be easily achieved. Equally, the buildings form a more cohesive composition and one which could create a conflict with the mass and form of the existing Church.
A series of small building forms running away from the existing Church within which are created small passageways and gardens.
The scheme reflects an over-dominant footprint on the ground and makes difficult the balance between development and landscape.
The varying volumes allow us a gentle building form that responds to the very solid and firm character of the Church and the Retreat.