Whitehaven Harbour Housing, Whitehaven – Richard Murphy Architects
The below scheme is the winning design from Richard Murphy Architects for the new Whitehaven Harbour housing development. The project was part of an open 2 stage RIBA competition, with 139 entries from around the world. The brief was to design 40 flats, each with a view of the harbour and 4000sq m of flexible offices and underground parking. In front of the proposed site sits by the recently rejuvenated Whitehaven Harbour, now home to a major marina.
Interestingly, the semi-derelict site still contains a former swimming bath which the architects decided to retain and incorporate into the development. The below drawings illustrated are their Stage 2 competition designs. Planning submission is due for April 2011, which may see changes to the scheme.
The organisational layout is centered around three cores. This arrangement benefits each of the apartments with views out to sea, with many also having panoramic corner windows. Thanks to this prominent design treatment, the design has the appearance of being a collection of lanterns, especially when the windows are lit at night. Each apartment has an eternal area; either a balcony or roof terrace. The 3 penthouses each come with roof terraces commanding impressive 270 degree views.
Offices occupy the first 2 floors. The architects have broken up the space with the lower floors of maisonettes. A clever step to help bring life to the very prominent sea facing facade. These maisonettes are directly accessible from the promenade, thanks to gangway style stairs.
