DesignBuyBuild_16_2015

Design approach and
implementation
Proctor and Matthews took traditional
Essex almshouses as the starting
point for their design in order to give
the development a suitably domestic
feel. Historically, alsmhouses are a
successful housing model, providing
vulnerable people with high quality
accommodation in a supportive
domestic environment. Proctor and
Matthews’ architectural language
rejects historical pastiche, instead
offering a contemporary and original
interpretation of that vernacular
model to meet the needs of residents
and staff. Almhouses are also
associated with craftsmanship, and
Proctor and Matthews saw the brief
as an opportunity to demonstrate that
social housing for vulnerable people
at the bottom of the housing ladder
can nevertheless be beautiful, wellcrafted
and dignified.
Like its historical antecedents,
Hargood Close is arranged as a
series of cloisters and courtyards.
This comfortable and domesticallyscaled
arrangement provides a safe
and friendly environment. Allowing
residents and staff to look out for each
other not only provides useful passive
surveillance, but also encourages
a sense of community despite the
transient resident population.
Staff offices are located at the site
entrance and help form the gateway
to the development with views down
London Road as well as back into the
site. Communal accommodation is
located at the centre of the site with
the children’s play area set adjacent
and behind in a controlled space.
Generously sized storage units – a
key requirement for residents who
value having plenty of secure space
for their possessions after being
displaced – are located at ground
floor level. These form part of the
rhythm and support for the cloisters
and first floor decks that provide
access and shelter to both the ground
and first floor entrances.
Hargood Close achieves Code for
Sustainable Homes Level 4 and
includes photovoltaic panels on some
roof areas.
Hargood Close sits comfortably
alongside its Victorian terraced
neighbours. The contemporary
brickwork provides a lively
yet sympathetic presence on
London Road – a busy street and
one of the main routes through
Colchester. Thanks to its design and
craftsmanship, Hargood Close stands
out as a fine contemporary addition
to the street scene, and breaks up
the monotony of its otherwise
ordinary surroundings. It is certainly
a significant improvement on the
shabby buildings and scrubland that
previously occupied the site. This
is Hargood Close’s most important
message: homeless people deserve
and can benefit from an environment
providing quality, dignity and respect.
Timescale
Proctor and Matthews were
commissioned in 2009 and planning
consent was granted in December
2010. Hargood Close was built in a
single phase: construction work began
in May 2011 and the scheme was
completed in April 2013.
Budget
The total cost of the project was
£3.4 million and was funded by
a partnership of Family Mosaic,
Colchester Borough Council and the
Homes and Communities Agency.
Thanks to a clear and robust design
strategy, the project was able to be
delivered within the constraints of a
relatively tight budget.
www.proctorandmatthews.com
129