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Hanbury Quarter, Chelmsford:

a model for higher density living in a sensitive suburban location

Type:
Residential
Client:
Crest Nicholson
Contract value:
£7 million
Location:
Chelmsford
Completion date:
Project status:
Completed

Hanbury Quarter is a four-storey courtyard development of 61 apartments and maisonettes and small business units located on the edge of the London Road Conservation Area of Chelmsford. The scheme explores an approach to increased density living for sensitive suburban locations, offering a structured alternative to sprawling suburban fringe developments.

Wings of accommodation are formally arranged around a central, precisely defined courtyard - a place of arrival and focus. This tranquil atrium cloistered at ground level makes conscious reference to the Roman heritage of Chelmsford and provides a strong threshold space which leads onto a further landscaped court.

A simple architectural language and palette of materials, clay pantiles, white render and black stained timber cladding make reference to the Regency and Victorian villas which define this historic section of Chelmsford and the Essex vernacular buildings of the countryside beyond.