Our proposal sits on the perimeter of New Cross, on the key arteriole route, Oldham Road. New Cross is a key location, on the edge of the Ancoats Conservation Area and boarding the Northern Quarter, meaning it is surrounded by a number of listed buildings and developing areas.
The site location is ear marked for a large and tall development. The development of the module was key in the whole design process and this then informed the internal space as one module equals a living space or bedroom. Therefore, the module had to suit both instances.
Arranging the module into bands has created a powerful repetitious language. The overall proportion of the length and height, whilst striking can also seem quite monolithic. Therefore, on the main Thompson Street façade, we have introduced a slight wave to create visual interest in comparison to the other elevations. The facade changes orientation in response to the two intersecting urban grains; New Cross and Ancoats grid. The wave also helps break the building line along Thompson Street, dissolving the strong grid-like context of the area.