The Exchange

We stayed true to the historic character of the site, using the nearby buildings to connect the site back to the community, repairing the gap on the street and create a cohesive masterplan respecting the old and the new. This is articulated in a delicate colonnade in pre-cast Portland concrete, reinterpreting the scale, proportion and materiality of the existing buildings.

Our block design and unit layouts are flexible, with inviting and legible communal cores and tenure blind entrances. a. Enhanced joinery specification and flexible layouts ensures the design is inherently adaptable to meet future changing demands for living space as families grow.

Coordination between the whole design team was key to address the site’s extensive history and with it, many unknowns. Such as, the possibility of unexploded bombs from WWII, unforeseen buried obstructions and the proximity of a primary substation. Meaning, there were a great number of high voltage cables crossing the site.

We worked closely with neighbouring stakeholders, to ensure they had the opportunity to view proposals and give their feedback. We used a public exhibition to raising awareness of the proposal. Engaging with residents and stakeholders as well as identifying key issues surrounding the potential development.