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Alcor Developments presents St James Meadow
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| Our development objective was to fulfill these criteria: • modern design for the exterior • well planned interior layouts • high specification • high standard of finish and above all, to make all the houses and flats a pleasure to live in. Specific design features include: Stepped levels; wide, useable balconies; use of steel and glass; external garaging and extensive glazing and planting. MORE> |
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St James Meadow: Barrack Street, Norwich, Norfolk, NR3 1TR Architect: CMC Architects 57-61 Burleigh Street, Cambridge Concept Design: Copeland Assoc. Framingham Pigot, Norfolk |
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Outline The development comprises two new build terraces between the inner ring road and River Wensum adjacent to Nowich city centre. The front terrace has six houses, six flats and two penthouses; the river terrace has eight houses. Surroundings, neighbourhood and planning Across the river is Cow Tower, a scheduled ancient monument. Built in 1398, it is the oldest brick building in Norwich. To the west is a new fitness centre and to the east a restaurant. Norwich City Council Planning Department required the design and materials to demarcate the end of commercial land use immediately west of the site and differentiate it from the materials used in the residential areas to the east. MORE> |
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| Site constraints and opportunities The site topography has been used to provide basement-level car parking for the whole development beneath the front terrace houses. Above the garages, a projecting concourse provides terracing for the houses and ground floor flats and additional covered parking spaces for the houses. External appearance and internal planning The staggering of the terraces provides movement,and the slope of the south elevations significantly reduces the impact of the three storey houses from across the river. The geometry of the central area is balanced by the gently curving concourse and brick planter edging. |
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| Planting is continued in more than 80 perforated stainless steel planting troughs on the balconies and in planters on the concourse. The planters provide opportunity for individual expression, and the texture and movement of the plants will soften the elevations. MORE> |
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| A contemporary feel with light and space has been the principle design theme. Generous balconies have been included at all levels on south facing elevations. Landscaping Landscaping covers more than 15% of the site. The river bank has been kept soft and informal by planting with grass and meadow flowers leading down to reeds planted in coir logs. As the space between the logs and the bank fills with sediment, new species will establish naturally. In addition, the historical moorings have been reinstated. In the centre of the site, the curved brick planter elegantly weaves its way from end to end providing a softness and contrast to the surrounding construction. The planting will provide substance,colour and movement both for occupiers looking out and visitors arriving at the site. The landscaping to the north of the site includes provides a seasonal change but without losing all cover over winter. Over time, hydrangea petiolaris and pyracantha will add height to the landscaping. MORE> |
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| Road and footpaths The site is accessed from the city’s busy inner link road. To prevent potential conflict at the bellmouth part of the adjoining site was purchased and a joint access constructed to serve both sites with optimum safety. Norwich City Council required a public footpath along the river bank. Although the Walk ends at the east boundary, a footpath has been built to allow public access from this end of the site. Garages and car parking The planning criteria for new build dwellings include the provision of one car parking space per unit with no visitor parking. The provision of a second space for the houses was permitted because the land was being used twice, in providing terracing on the concourse and parking on the ground. This parking configuration enables occupiers to keep their cars away from the roadway, enhancing the clean lines of the central area. MORE> |
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| Safety, security and accessibility The site is lit extensively at night and all dwellings have an intruder alarm and pir security lighting. Entry to the flats is via video entry-phone, and to the carpark by infra-red key fob. Accessibility provision includes ramps for wheelchair users, lift to the flats and ground floor entrance doors with lowered thresholds. Finishes, detailing and workmanship The steel and glass balcony construction is contemporary and allows undisturbed views. Extensive fenestration with bronze-tinted glass reduces solar gain and increases privacy. The design of the kitchens and bathrooms optimises functionality whilst retaining maximum space and light. Community New purchasers are still moving in, but already the development has generated a strong sense of community amongst those living there. MORE> |
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| Alcor Developments Llp, 18 St James Meadow, Norwich NR3 1TR. Tel: 01603 462370 or Email Us. | ||||||||||