Woodberry Down Phase 2
- Client: Berkeley Homes
- Contacts: Charles Graham, Michał Sęczkowski, Dorota Knet, Simon Gillett
Berkeley Homes selected Rolfe Judd Architecture, Fletcher Priest Architects, and Townsend Landscape Architects to develop proposals for a detailed planning application for works within the Phase 2 boundary of the Woodberry Down masterplan. The three teams united their efforts to deliver a masterplan which ultimately aimed to provide homes, community facilities and amenity space within a sustainable, active, vibrant place which contributes positively to this unique area of north London.
Phase 2 delivers 884 new homes (321 of them affordable) as part of the award-winning Woodberry Down Regeneration project, all of them with generous internal space standards and large useable private amenity space. Dual aspect homes and provision of natural light is maximised with generous floor-to-ceiling heights of 2.6m.
The reservoirs contribute a unique character and amenity space which the development has focused on. The buildings increase in height as they step-back from the reservoir, and are U-shaped, improving daylight and views across the reservoir. Courtyards create more intimate spaces between homes and the street, maximising opportunities to vary and blend internal spaces with the natural environment.
At the heart of the phase 2 is Spring Park which has been meticulously designed to incorporate the needs and requirements of existing and future residents, with subtly delineated play areas and open green space. There is open-air space for public events, new piers to make use of the waterfront, a large play area, sports courts, and grassed areas. New River is a path designed for a natural feel to this open space. Trees and native shrubs line the streets and link the phases.
Traditional materials are utilised in a contemporary manner such as bricks, stone and metal. This responds to the heritage of the site and existing buildings. All tenures in the scheme have generous and attractive entrance lobbies and there are break-out spaces in the buildings to increase social interaction to help build the community. A key aspect of the scheme for all three buildings is to maximise views of the reservoirs for residents and ensure good access to the newly created Spring Park.
