Mews Development for Slough
Located in the heart of Slough, Mark Fairhurst Architects has recently designed a residential development set between existing residential and commercial properties on a former car park back-land site. The flats are ideally situated to allow easy access to the High Street and shopping area and are in close proximity to the main line railway station with express trains to central London and Reading.
The design ingeniously deals with overlooking issues with angled facades expressing each studio apartment. All ground floor units are accessed through a semi-private courtyard and upper floor units via a communal entrance.
The units are naturally lit with dual aspect windows at ground floor level and obscured windows to the rear prevent overlooking of the adjacent residential development. Internally the lower flats incorporate living and bedroom areas linked with large sliding privacy screens providing flexibility of use for the future occupants.
The massing of the building creates a characterful new mews to the rear of the of the former office building. An offset rhythm is created with five units at ground floor and four above. The upper floor is setback minimising the visual impact on its context of predominately four storey buildings with two storey terrace houses to the west. A row of four mono pitched roofs delineates each first floor flat and continues the motif of the angled facades. The building is clad with understated grey bricks with tiles above defining the identity of the new development whilst respecting the surrounding existing materials.
The development is provided with a large cycle storage area allowing all residents to leave cycles close to the entrance, along with recycling and refuse facilities. A sustainable urban drainage strategy is proposed for the scheme ensuring no increased impact on the existing rainwater sewer.
The scheme, currently awaiting planning consent, would help contribute to the supply of much needed residential accommodation in the heart of the town centre.
