The Beaches Yard scheme is a development for a multi-level proposal on a previously under developed industrial plot of land at Beaches Yard which falls into the Strategic Industrial Location (SIL). It aims to produce sustainable, high quality, site-specific design at an appropriate scale and density. The proposition seeks to introduce a low energy sustainable warehouse, whilst providing a high-quality active street frontage for the corner of the site with the use of an articulated screen and green wall, also to engage with and respond to existing context, forming part of the urban fabric along Horton Road, and respecting the existing residential dwellings along Horton Road.
The building has been designed to appear visually stimulating, through the use of a consideration to the surrounding palette of materials and finishes. The mix of materials will help to reduce the mass while the perforated facade will soften the industrial feel of the building by providing a sense of depth behind it. The use of a secondary perforated facade skin will diffuse light emittance during evenings to prevent disturbance of animals and residential buildings in proximity.
At ground floor level it is proposed to have a mixture of glazing and a concrete skirt that helps articulate and traverse the level change across the site. This strong base provides a foil to the lighter and fine metal skin above. The green hue providing a softer approach and a more contextual referenced to the trees close by.
Sustainability is at the core of the planning design phase. The proposal aims to adopt key elements such as PV panels, green walls, appropriate insulation for air tightness, sun shading, envelope insulation and ventilation to ensure the building reaches maximum energy efficiency.
As part of the sustainability of the project, we are proposing LED fittings within the warehouse that will reduce energy consumption. The external glazing areas are limited so light emittance is reduced.
