Mixed-Use Development

Strategic Views and Openings

Large openings in these villas are meticulously positioned to frame captivating vistas. These views encompass the river, with glimpses across to Sutton Hoo, panoramas of the town, perspectives up Pytches Road, glimpses of neighbouring historic structures, and vistas of the proposed landscaped areas within the site. The openings, set back within the building's footprint, serve dual purposes – creating private terrace spaces for some units while primarily embodying the villa's architectural form and design intent. Where conventional openings are employed (still generously proportioned), they are defined by aluminium window frames flush with the walls, adorned with a bronze finish and solid brick sills.

The Central Landscape Thoroughfare

A key organising element in our design is the 'landscape thoroughfare,' a generous pedestrian route that weaves through the site, connecting Melton Hill and Thoroughfare Road to a new public space at the site's lower reaches, with a link extending to Deben Road. This innovative feature was inspired by the insights gathered during our initial Public Workshop, and it has profoundly influenced all facets of our design development. Beyond facilitating connectivity, this thoroughfare unlocks breathtaking views of the River Deben, a unique offering not found anywhere along The Thoroughfare or Melton Hill.

Optimised Views and Architectural Identity

Our villas are strategically positioned to maximise river and countryside views. Their skewed orientation enhances the character of the spaces between them at ground level. The hierarchy of these spaces is thoughtfully defined by topography and landscaping, expertly detailed by Huck Partnership, our Landscape Architects. While predominant red brick facades seamlessly blend with the surroundings, the Melton Hill street frontage boasts a distinctive character, featuring contrasting white and dark brick facades that establish a strong independent architectural identity in direct response to the street setting. Closer to the river, smaller townhouses have lightweight black timber cladding, harmonising with their smaller scale in the riverside context.

Crafting a Car-Free Oasis

Our commitment to fostering a sense of calm and community has led us to create a 'car-free' landscape environment. Parking is ingeniously concealed beneath the blocks, hidden from view, allowing the site to exude a unique tranquility characterised by green spaces, enlivened only by people. Journeying from the site's apex, one traverses through a public square, adjacent to a proposed community and coffee shop space, offering breathtaking views of the River Deben. The journey concludes with an open public boardwalk at the site's base. Semi-private and private gardens seamlessly intertwine with the landscaped thoroughfare, providing a dynamic and engaging environment.

Bold and Contemporary Vision

The canted rooflines of our villas not only create a dynamic silhouette when viewed from afar but also reflect the dynamic internal design layouts. This design approach is a bold and confident statement, not only from a design perspective but also from the developer's standpoint. It represents a 21st-century vision for place-making, where architectural innovation meets thoughtful urban integration.

Independent Design Review by RIBA Suffolk Design Review Panel

In October 2016, an independent Design Review Panel convened to support the planning process. This esteemed panel, featuring Chair Meredith Bowles, an accomplished architect, alongside panel members Ralph Carpenter, Frances Grant, Charlotte Norman, and David Andrews, represented a wealth of expertise in architecture, landscape architecture, and heritage conservation.

During this session, the Panel was presented with the latest evolution of our design development. They recognised the tremendous potential our project held in making a positive and transformative contribution to the town. Appreciating the ambitious vision of both the client and architect, they encouraged us to delve deeper, requesting more detailed information once it became available.

By February 2017, a second Design Review Panel session was convened, this time featuring more developed designs. The Panel commended the substantial efforts invested in refining the design, particularly noting the remarkable changes in scale, the removal of certain structures, and the redesigned Melton Hill streetscape, which they described as "showing a fantastic improvement." Encouraged by these advancements, the Panel extended their endorsement, albeit with a requirement for further detailed information pertaining to specific elements, including boundary conditions, expanded private gardens, scale, and massing.

Following a subsequent desktop review by the Panel, it was determined that our scheme had sufficiently matured to warrant the preparation of a comprehensive planning application. This significant milestone was achieved following constructive feedback and a well-received public exhibition.

Our engagement with the Suffolk Design Review Panel stands as a testament to our commitment to architectural excellence, community collaboration, and the pursuit of a transformative vision for the Melton Hill site.