We are excited to have been appointed for another iconic apartment development in the Fylde Coast. The proposals include the demolition of the existing building and replaced with a new build apartment development housing 11 luxury apartments.

Carters has carried out a detailed design feasibility study reviewing the characteristics, architectural merit, volume, scale and precedents within the area. We have been very critical of the design to be in keeping within the local vernacular and been sensitive to the surroundings and neighbouring buildings.

There have been several designs considered for this site including options to redevelop and convert the existing building. After several design options and extensive building consultancy one design option that we feel is most appropriate given the urban setting taking inspiration from the local venular and adding Carters design flair and contemporary twist. We have created a new build luxury apartment development for the area.

After carrying out a series of design options looking to form a small extension to the existing building and reconfigure the layouts internally to form 9 apartments, enhancing the appearance externally, making the building more uniform in shape, removing the existing bay windows with modern bays and making sure the design is in keeping with the local vernacular. Due to the complexities of reconfiguring and extending the existing building and bearing in mind the significant amount of costs to remodel and enhance the existing.

We advised our clients that a new build option would more than likely be a more financially viable way forward. Maximising on the existing space, increasing the amount of apartments. This could be a great opportunity to improving the layout further, significantly enhance the appearance of the building and increase the sustainability credentials, being able to efficiently improve the fabric of the building and energy performance.

The new build option would consist of a four-story building with 11 apartments in total. The proposed new build option would be increasing the height of the overall building by approximately 2m. The roof height however is proposed to have a mansard roof with feature gables. A mansard roof will enable the overall height of the building to be brought back down to a similar level of the adjoining buildings maintaining the street scene and respecting the amenity of the adjoining owners.

The top-floor apartments are housed within the roof space and have internal vaulted ceilings. Making the building appear to be only 3 stories. After several design options we have chosen an option that we believe sensitively takes into consideration the local vernacular but also being truthful to the period of construction proposing a more contemporary appearance.

It is considered that it the proposal is of an appropriate design that raises the quality of built development in the locality and would enhance the site and surroundings. Though of a slightly more contemporary design than existing buildings, it is considered an appropriate Architectural style for its setting. After careful design analysis internally at Carters the proposal would see an attractive form of building created with appropriate levels of off-street car parking and landscaping.

Given the large scale and massing of the existing building there will be very minimal, if any at all, changes regarding privacy, loss of light and replacement of a similar mass. To further assist with its mass, we have created protruding gable feature bays with the main elevation set back which provides variance in the elevation. We have selected a simple material palate which has been sensitively selected. The materials  would be mainly of red brickwork with brickwork detailing to add visual interest to the façade. The main frontage elevations have large-glazed areas to maximise the natural light into the building.

The new apartments will be constructed to achieve and exceed the current Building Regulations standards of construction (in particular Part “L”, “The conservation of fuel and power”) and the applicant is considering the inclusion of some forms of sustainable/green technologies.

All accompanied by enhanced thermal efficiency of the building’s external fabric using the latest construction techniques. The sustainability energy efficiency factors proposed will play a key role in the UK’s efforts to hit net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Thinking of similar development? Carters has a wealth of experience working on apartment buildings. Feel free to get in touch and see how we can be of service. We offer a wide range of services from initial feasibility studies, architectural design, technical construction detailing and specifications, contractor procurement, contract administration, employers agent and technical advisor roles.

If you have a project in mind and wanting to make the best use of your site speek to the team for a free consultation.