Client
Derwen Cymru & Pobl
Location
Newport, South Wales
Value
Approx £5 million
Date Completed
Autumn 2018
Development Overview
The scheme at the Gaer, Newport in South Wales utilises a parcel of land which has been left vacant since 2007, following the completion of a 10 year regeneration of the area replacing 500 post war prefabricated homes with new bungalows.
Working with Pobl and Derwen, a housing association that specialises in providing accommodation for older people, the project includes a total of 39 new homes, with 4 walk-up one bedroom flats and a further 35 self-contained one and two bedroom apartments built in one continuous block with heated circulation. A centralised Community Hub links the main apartment blocks, containing communal facilities for the residents and those living in the nearby Derwen bungalows.
The scheme works with the sloping site and the apartments are split over a number of levels, overlooking a terraced landscaped area. All flats have balconies with glass balustrades to allow the residents the benefit of their elevated views looking out over the landscaped gardens, the wider Newport area, and the River Severn beyond.
A neutral palette of materials has been selected to establish a contemporary design whilst helping the building to fit into the surrounding environment. The materiality of the Community Hub differs from the accommodation blocks, with large expanses of glazing and an element of colour, providing a focal point to the development. The hub building has a feeling of transparency and inclusiveness, and will provide a community resource which can be enjoyed by all.
The project received planning approval in January 2015 and was completed in Autumn 2018.
