113 & 115 Ouseburn Road

Project Overview

The work at 113 & 115 Ouseburn Road sets and exemplar for contemporary living, where resources are shared and optimised to create a template for sustainable accommodation. With a combined plot width of 14 metres at the bottom of adjacent steep back gardens; opportunities for aspect were severely restricted by topography, overlooking, parking and access requirements. Building to the boundaries on three sides and cut into the valley side, design centred upon creation of light open spaces within a deep plan, effectively subterranean in part. An 18 month build was made financially viable through a single contract centred upon shared costs of key civil engineering and services infrastructure.

A concrete retaining structure supports load bearing brick walls and engineered timber joists topped with exposed concrete floors, an essential element in both economy and sustainability strategy. It responds to needs of people wanting to stay locally but looking to downsize, considers how homes can adapt to an ageing population and how land-use can be optimised in existing residential areas. A limited palate of robust utilitarian materials is used in a simple contemporary manner, echoing Ouseburn’s industrial past. External openings within deep masonry reveals house large sliding screens providing security or permeability, depending upon time of day and mode of occupation.

Awards:

RIBA North East Award Winner

RIBA House of the Year (Shortlisted)

RIBA National Awards (Shortlisted)

Lord Mayors Design Awards: Best Small Development Winner

Lord Mayors Design Awards: Sustainability (Special Commendation)