The Roof Gardens
The Roof Gardens by Ollier Smurthwaite Architects for DeTrafford Estates. The perimeter block layout and back-to-back dwellings delivers a site layout which responds to the
Apartments
Elevation and Proportion
Introduction
The design of apartments should take cues from the surrounding context and consider the opportunities for design detail and expression through tools such as the grouping of windows and entrances to bring composure and rhythm to the building facade.
The use of pitched roofs and creatively designed roofscapes is encouraged. Where part of a larger development, the elevation treatment and materials used in facades should be in keeping with the rest of the development.
Features of apartment elevation and proportion
- Elevation influenced by surrounding buildings
- Well-proportioned width and height of neighbouring dwellings
- A rhythm of elevations is created on the street
- Good size and well positioned windows relevant to the elevation
- A coherent structure that is readable
- Active ground floor
AEP 1
Coherent appearance
CODE
Description
Compliance
CODE
Elevations must respect the surrounding context, be coherent so they are aesthetically pleasing and can be easily understood when viewed. There must be a rhythm to the composition of windows, balconies, entrances and other details within the elevation.
Description
Apartments with well-balanced proportions and window sizes are generally visually appealing and filled with natural daylight. Traditional buildings throughout the Borough exhibit best practice elevation and proportion and this should be continued in the development of apartment blocks.
Look to the site context to understand how the facade of your project will need to reference that of its neighbours to create a rhythm. Pick up on the spacing between window openings, projecting elements or roof detailsThe details of a building are the individual components and how they are put together. Some are a deliberate part of the appearance of a building, including doors, windows and their surrounds, porches, decorative features and ironmongery. Others are functional, although they can also contribute to the appearance of a building. These include lighting, flues and ventilation, gutters, pipes and other rainwater details. Detailing affects the appearance of a building or space and how it is experienced. It also affects how well it weathers and lasts over time. More to see how that rhythm can be continued. Consider how stair and lift cores are detailed on elevations.
Compliance
Applicants should demonstrate in their submission how this element of the Code has been complied with.
Documents required:
- Context CharacterCharacter includes all of the elements that go to make a place, how it looks and feels, its geography and landscape, its noises and smells, activity, people and businesses. This character should be understood as a starting point for all development. Character can be understood at three levels; the area type in which the site sits, its surroundings and the features of the site. More Appraisal
- Elevations
- Floor plans
- Facade Design Analysis
Examples of creating coherent elevations
Symmetry of neighbouring facades
Forward projections in building profile
Repeated architectural detailsThe details of a building are the individual components and how they are put together. Some are a deliberate part of the appearance of a building, including doors, windows and their surrounds, porches, decorative features and ironmongery. Others are functional, although they can also contribute to the appearance of a building. These include lighting, flues and ventilation, gutters, pipes and other rainwater details. Detailing affects the appearance of a building or space and how it is experienced. It also affects how well it weathers and lasts over time. More
AEP 2
Articulation
CODE
Description
Compliance
CODE
Facades must incorporate depth and articulation to add interest and relief to buildings.
Description
Applicants should avoid flat, featureless and monotonous buildings. The articulationArchitectural composition in which elements and parts of the building are expressed logically, distinctly, and consistently. More of facades is essential to animate larger elevations. Apartment blocks must introduce a combination of recessed and projecting elements in their design to create depth and articulationArchitectural composition in which elements and parts of the building are expressed logically, distinctly, and consistently. More of facades, using the local context as reference.
Compliance
Applicants should demonstrate in their submission how this element of the Code has been complied with.
Documents required:
- Context Character Appraisal
- Elevations
- Floor plans
- Facade Design Analysis
Examples of depth and projection in apartments
Examples
Façade articulationArchitectural composition in which elements and parts of the building are expressed logically, distinctly, and consistently. More: Further visual depth can be achieved through articulating facades with brick detailsThe details of a building are the individual components and how they are put together. Some are a deliberate part of the appearance of a building, including doors, windows and their surrounds, porches, decorative features and ironmongery. Others are functional, although they can also contribute to the appearance of a building. These include lighting, flues and ventilation, gutters, pipes and other rainwater details. Detailing affects the appearance of a building or space and how it is experienced. It also affects how well it weathers and lasts over time. More, window surrounds and doorways
AEP 3
Shape and proportion of openings
CODE
Description
Compliance
CODE
Applicants must demonstrate that window and door openings, including fenestration details such as glazing bars, mullions and transoms, are appropriate to, and in proportion with the elevation design.
Description
There are a variety of ways to create the optimum shape and proportion of windows and doors. Many modern architect designed apartment blocks demonstrate there can be exceptions to the rules of good proportion but only when designed well and a coherent order is achieved using other design means.
Window design should carefully consider the use of detailsThe details of a building are the individual components and how they are put together. Some are a deliberate part of the appearance of a building, including doors, windows and their surrounds, porches, decorative features and ironmongery. Others are functional, although they can also contribute to the appearance of a building. These include lighting, flues and ventilation, gutters, pipes and other rainwater details. Detailing affects the appearance of a building or space and how it is experienced. It also affects how well it weathers and lasts over time. More such as glazing bars, mullions and transoms so as to deliver appropriately proportioned windows. The basic principles as shown below are the simple building blocks to good composition and unless it can be justified why these are not used, they must guide your design process.
Openings that are proportionately shaped and sized against an elevation will look more aesthetically pleasing and are a cost-effective means for achieving visual beauty.
Applicants should consider the implications of Building Regulations from the outset.
Compliance
Applicants should demonstrate in their submission how this element of the Code has been complied with.
Documents required:
- Design and Access Statement
- Elevations
- Detailed cross sections
Composition and arrangement of window openings
Vertical proportion of window openings
Horizontal proportions and replicated roof form
Examples
AEP 4
Window to wall ratio
CODE
Description
Compliance
CODE
The ratio between window size and wall area on principal elevations must be over 20% unless the applicant can demonstrate that this cannot be achieved due to solar gain / thermal efficiency requirements, or the applicant can demonstrate that a lower ratio can deliver a well-articulated, well-proportioned, balanced and attractive elevation.
Description
The ratio between window size and wall area is calculated by multiplying the width and height to the eaves line of the principal elevation and subtracting the doorway.
Larger windows that are in proportion with the size of elevations will be more aesthetically pleasing and will allow more light to enter the house, improving the amenityThe desirable or useful features of a building or place which support its ongoing use and enjoyment by building occupants, residents, visitors, workers etc. It is usually understood to mean visual and aural amenity. Factors relevant to amenity include the general characteristics of the locality (including the presence of any feature of historic, architectural, cultural or similar interest), daylight, sunlight, outlook, privacy, air quality, effects of wind, odour, noise and vibration. Amenity should be preserved, so potential impacts need to be assessed and managed. More, health and well-being of occupiers.
Compliance
Applicants should demonstrate in their submission how this element of the Code has been complied with.
Documents required:
- Elevations illustrating window to wall ratio proportions
AEP 5
Communal entrances
CODE
Description
Compliance
CODE
Communal main entrances must be: formed in the principal elevation; clearly articulated; well detailed; accessible from the main highway by foot; well-lit; integral to the overall architecture of the building; and, finished in robust materials.
Description
Entrances must be legible, safe, incorporate secure entry facilities and provide a clear transition between public and private areas. Use the building form to emphasise the entrance and use design features such as splays and recesses to create interest and shelter. Building signage and numbering should be bespoke and integrated into the design of the building and entrance in robust and permanent materials.
Compliance
Applicants should demonstrate in their submission how this element of the Code has been complied with.
Documents required:
- Site plan
- Floor plans
- Elevations
- Material schedule
Examples
AEP 6
Private entrances
CODE
Description
Compliance
CODE
Applicants must demonstrate that they have sought to optimise the provision of private entrances to ground level dwellings in order to articulate an elevation and animate the street.
Description
The provision of individual entrances delivers an animated street sceneAll spaces and features which form the street environment, including buildings, street furniture, fittings and finishes and green infrastructure and open spaces. More and active frontageMaking frontages ‘active’ adds interest, life and vitality to the public realm. This means:
• frequent doors and windows, with few blank walls;
• narrow frontage buildings, giving vertical rhythm to the street scene;
• articulation of facades, with projections such as bays and porches incorporated, providing a welcoming feeling; and, on occasion,
• lively internal uses visible from the outside, or spilling onto the street.
More. Individual entrances also provide residents with a sense of ownership and an opportunity to provide well maintained planting to the street frontage.
Compliance
Applicants should demonstrate in their submission how this element of the Code has been complied with.
Documents required:
- Site plan
- Floor plans
- Elevations
- Material schedule
Examples
Apartment elevation and proportion case studies
Warehaus
Warehaus by OMI Architects for GW Developments Within the Ancoats Conservation Area the development comprises of the restoration of an existing historic mill building and
Excelsior Works
Excelsior Works by Tim Groom Architects for Mulbury City The building occupies a pronounced location on the corner of Hulme Hall Road and converges upon
Kings Crescent
Kings Crescent by Karakusevic Carson Architects and muf art/architecture Kings Crescent Estate in Stoke Newington, North London is a major estate renewal project which combines
Portobello Square
Portobello Square, London by PRP Architects for Kensington Housing Trust (part of the Catalyst Housing Group) PRP was appointed by Catalyst Housing Ltd. for the
ARC, Sydney
ARC, Sydney by Koichi Takada Architects for Crown Group Arc is made up of two 26-storey, 80-meter high towers. The mixed-useA well-integrated mix of different
