Willow Grove: Site Description

1 The proposed development site for which the

Gillmoss development currently a circa thirty acre
expanse of severely underused green space. The
opportunity for exciting and innovative
development.!
Gillmoss Urban Village and more specifically the
seamless ʻresi-recreationalʼ blanket. !

The scheme is environmentally responsive and

land parcel is bordered on two sides by major Willow Grove development aim to visually and remains sympathetic to the various uses bordering
carriageways the A506 and M57, the site boundary physically annex the existing swathes of green the site boundary. Due to the flexibility and inbuilt
also shares a common edge with a 1970ʼs space with active, vibrant living environments. adaptability of the scheme design, the final product

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residential development in the form of the
Fazakerly housing estate and a more recently
developed industrial park. !
The hydrology system throughout the site creates a
physical break between the existing housing
development and any subsequent building.
Strength and passion in the design process has led
to an urban typology that is influenced by classical
European street tissues, delivering an identity,
character and intimacy to the completed scheme. !
The scheme adopts a pseudo zoning approach,
where specific functions are reserved for given
is supportive of the City Regionʼs sustainable
economic and housing development schemes. In
short Gillmoss Urban Village and the Willow Grove
development promote self sufficient, sustainable
living.!

3 However the extent to which the featured

waterways cover the site provides an exciting
areas of the site. However, these areas are
creatively woven into one another, creating a

flux  
7
8   9  

10   11   A breakdown of the Gillmoss Urban Village and the

internal Willow Grove development. The location of
the site is mapped with the Urban Design
Framework superimposed within the site boundary.!
12
  13
  residential development 11. School playing fields
1. Mersey Tram extension 2. Site area 3.
Protective landscaping 4. Green belt 5. Hydrology
12. Mixed-use hubs!
13. Educational centre!
network 6. Existing major road infrastructure 7.
Proposed secondary road network 8. Existing
housing estate 9. Eco-tier 10. Proposed

Caleb
 Butler
 
Environmental
 Design
 Project
 
May
 2010
 
1
Willow Grove: Housing Design Scheme
The residential element of the overall delivery of this
scheme plays a dominant role. The dualism between
flourish
solid and void is celebrated in the buildings created and
the spaces that surround and complement the units. The
private vehicle is acknowledged and afforded space
however as an integral element to the scheme design,
not compromising available living space, while
maintaining a pleasing aesthetic in the street scene. All
owner vehicles are provided with a double width garage
space taking the standard with of a vehicle to be 1.5m
the approximate 5.8m (width) space allows for cycle
storage also. A bridged public space promotes social
interaction while defining the place in which these
interactions occur. A pedestrian only realm strengthens
the sense of freedom and identity while remaining
connected to the access point below through the breaks
Caleb
 Butler
Environmental
 Design
 Project
May
 2010
6
in the platform allowing planting to transcend both the
ground floor and living tier. A 10m gauge between
frontages allows for comfortable pedestrian circulation
while providing areas to sit within the surroundings. The
concept of subliminal monitoring is carried throughout
the scheme and indeed throughout the site with private
terraces and balconies overlooking living spaces. Lower
level balconies are inset and complemented by a 500mm
projection affording a higher degree of privacy while not
being totally cut off to the street scene as a result of
visually penetrable barriers. The concept of openness is
echoed through to the 1st floor living area where floor to
ceiling glazing relates inside to out. Higher level terraces
formed through a maximum step back of 2.5m are
bordered by hard barriers that offer a higher degree of
privacy and are raised to heights of 1.2m and 1.8m
(partition) respectively. Each housing unit is marked by a
timber canopy providing a sheltered entrance to each
dwelling. The large numbering system and robust timber
finish door enhance the sense of identity and ownership
of place. The natural element as a result of the willow
tree emerging through the centre of the scheme is used
as a guide for the palette of materials used. Timber
finishes are applied throughout and are complemented
by clean, robust stainless steel accents and seamed
panels, the neutral palette is complemented by exposed
grey brickwork and a light grey through render. NWDA
gold is used to demonstrate the power of subtle accent
through colour; ultimately adding to the sense of place
and belonging. !