Glenn Howells Architects has completed Parkside Place, a mixed-use development, comprising of a community fire station, commercial unit and 99 residential apartments in central Cambridge. Commissioned by Grosvenor, this development provides luxury living right in the heart of this dynamic and historical city.
Located on the site of the existing Cambridge Fire Station, this development includes four residential buildings, housing ninety-nine luxury apartments and a retail unit, centred on a raised, private courtyard. Additionally, a new fire station replaces the original 1960s structure. The development provides Cambridge with its newest and most prestigious urban architectural addition and is ideally located for easy access to the central colleges, parks and main shopping and entertainment areas.
Parkside Place provides 60% private housing and 40% affordable, including shared ownership and rented across four buildings. This development provides: • 29 one-bedroomed appartments, • 54 two-bedroomed appartments and • 15 three-bedroomed residential units, including duplexes and • 1 two-bedroom penthouse. Three of the buildings overlook two of Cambridge’s most popular parks and the fourth, Chester House, looks westward over the picturesque rooftops.
A contemporary nod to Cambridge’s vernacular, Glenn Howells Architects has used three key materials: buff-coloured pre-cast concrete/stone cladding complemented by bands of bronze anodised aluminium that add a touch of luxury and provide an indication of the interiors. Ample glazing allows for all views across the parks and historical rooftops to be maximised.
Two of the largest buildings, Parkside House and Parkside Terrace, the latter now the tallest in Cambridge, look southwards across the 24-acre playing field site of Parker’s Piece. The third building, Petersfield House looks eastward over Petersfield Park. The main pedestrian entrance to the development is accessed from East Road via a grand staircase rising between Parkside Terrace and Petersfield House.
Parkside Terrace’s curved structure houses the community facilities including the new meeting and lecture rooms at ground level with private residential units including a 2,000sq.ft penthouse on top and further two and three bedroom units on the floors between. The curved nature of the design maximizes views out from the prime location whilst providing a landmark building to mark the corner of Parkers Piece. Designed to meet Code for Sustainable Homes level 4, all Internal ventilation is integrated within the window heads.
Glenn Howells Architects has continued Grosvenor’s ethos as a world-leading developer of luxury residential property by designing all the properties with rooms of generous proportions and open-plan space for modern living. Attention to detail is key with these larger than average rooms designed to high standards, with floor-to-ceiling windows, premium quality materials and oak timber floors throughout. Glenn Howells Architects, with this exciting development, demonstrate their ability to create modern, attractive buildings continuing the presence of dynamic architecture within historical Cambridge.
