Clifton Wharf England : Architecture Information

KPF wins planning approval for Gravesend riverside renewal project 17 Mar 2009 Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (London) have won planning approval for a new riverfront development to the north-west of Gravesend Town Centre that combines affordable housing, public amenity space and the restoration of Thames riverside heritage. Clifton Wharf with pier in foreground; Clifton Wharf with pier in foreground: images : KPF & Pure Render Clifton Wharf will occupy two brownfield sites separated by West Street. The unique location includes a disused iron railway pier extending out into the Thames. KPF’s proposed re-development advances both the Kent and Medway Structure Plan and the Gravesham Local Plan by redressing the legacy of decline to the environment and infrastructure of this area. It will revitalise Gravesend town centre by bringing life into the neighbourhood though the creation of jobs and much needed accommodation. The scheme comprises 145 residential apartments, a retail unit and provisional river-related uses. The design overcomes the challenge of a split location by means of five sliced ellipsoidal buildings. Cutaway roofs allow for terraces at the top levels; punctuations in the wooden façades provide balconies for lower flats. The buildings, pebble-like in form, sit on a landscaped podium that stretches out in line with the pier. Every building in the cluster uses cutting edge morphology and careful positioning to maximise variety, giving the appearance of differing volumes and heights and taking advantage of the site’s access to unique views and natural light. The Borough Council sought a well-designed, mixed use development that would respect the riverside setting and maximise appropriate riverside uses. KPF’s scheme restores the old iron pier and introduces steps and ramps to allow members of the public to get close to the original engineering. The shape and orientation of the pier is echoed and extended inland by the podium which unifies the site and reinforces the connection with the river. The new public walkway, which extends across the road to the pier, provides pedestrian access to the terraces and viewpoints on the water. The relocation of the old river defence wall creates space for proper pavements on West Street and an improved flood protection barrier further to the north. Roof plan: image : KPF Sustainability was a key factor in the design process. Not only will this project achieve Level 3 on the Code for Sustainable Homes but, through onsite energy generation with biomass and wind turbines, it will effect a 10% reduction in site-wide annual CO2 emissions. Other environmentally friendly features include enhanced thermal insulation, improved recycling facilities and secure bicycle spaces to encourage cyclists. The apartments will be naturally ventilated with angled, deep-set windows to harness natural light. Clifton Wharf information from Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates 170309

Alison Brooks Architects

photo : Dennis Gilbert