New over 55s housing scheme for Hill and Anchor Hanover has been designed by PRP with community values at its heart, encouraging greater integration between the homes and the neighbouring London Fields.
According to a study by Skipton Building Society, 73% of Britons do no know their neighbour’s name. At a time when loneliness is a very serious problem, particularly for the elderly, the research highlights that it has never been more important for architects and developers to work together to ensure new developments enhance and enrich the local area to bring people together.
On behalf of Hill and Anchor Hanover, PRP designed Quadra in London Fields, Hackney, which brought the joint venture partners’ vision of creating a selection of private and affordable apartments exclusively for the over 55s with community values at its heart to life.
Anne-Marie Nicholson, Senior Partner and Head of the Later Living team at PRP, explained: “Quadra is situated on the edge of Hackney’s London Fields, and this location was a key consideration when planning the development. We took the opportunity to stagger the plan to give every apartment a view over the famous park. The provision of a south facing landscaped courtyard enhances the social element of the development as it merges with the green space of the London Fields Park and links it to the wider community. Residents can easily enjoy the local facilities and benefit from the intergenerational social activity on their doorstep.
“Through meticulous planning, Quadra has been tailored to meet all of its current and future residents’ needs. The foyer offers a sense of arrival and benefits from double height windows, which overlook the garden court and the park. This classic and elegant atmosphere provides residents with a place for working, welcoming guests, socialising with neighbours, and relaxing outside of their apartment. Each apartment has also been designed around the views of the green surroundings, providing light and scenic outlooks.
“Externally, the variety of scale and materials take their cue from local townhouses, with the distinctive palette of buff brick and Portland stones elements being complemented by bronze metal balustrades on the balconies, making the building visually striking without competing with its surroundings.”
Anne-Marie concluded: “The entire scheme was designed to give the feeling of integration between the homes and the neighbouring London Fields. Residents who have already moved into Quadra have said that the various activities taking place on the Fields and its lively atmosphere make them feel part of the action and more integrated with the local community.”
Quadra is a collection of 29 one and two-bedroom apartments exclusively for the over-55s. Boasting a superb specification, with high-quality kitchens comprising integrated Siemens and Bosch appliances, stylish bathrooms with en-suites and private outdoor space in the form of a balcony or terrace.
The design of this scheme fits with the principles discussed in the Distinctively Local publication, the product of collaboration between four architectural practices, specialising in the design and delivery of residential and mixed-use neighbourhoods — HTA Design, Pollard Thomas Edwards (PTE), PRP and Proctor & Matthews Architects.
Image © PRP Architects LLP.
