Nottingham Civic Society - Mark of the Month Commendation February 2002

THE MARLBOROUGH,
CRANMER STREET, NOTTINGHAM

This is a new building providing 24 luxury apartments in a landscaped setting on the edge of Mapperley Park. The brief from the client was to provide contemporary apartments that would take advantage of the site and modern construction techniques.

The building replaced an old derelict house and a three-storey 1960s office block. Planning requirements meant the new building could be no taller than the existing, so the building was cut into the site so that a four-storey building was designed within the same height as the original three-storey building. Since it was cut into the site the ground floor was used as a 24 car secure parking area and the apartments built over.

To keep the building width as narrow as possible, the car parking was set at 45 degrees and this structural grid was taken up through the building so that the orientation of the apartments allowed sunlight into the living accommodation throughout the day. The 45 degree modelling also allowed for recesses within the building envelope, which meant balconies and bedroom windows could be screened for privacy. To complement the villas within the neighbourhood, the building was rendered, but a new system of rendering on an external skin of insulation was used to make the building very efficient thermally. A reinforced concrete frame was used because of its ability to provide mass for sound reduction, fire protection and long spans to prevent columns within the apartments.

Internally, the apartments are generally open plan with large windows, which take advantage of the superb views over Nottingham. The kitchens became part of the interior design and were chosen as much for their appearance as their function. Timber floors and low voltage lighting provide a warm and atmospheric interior.

Mike Askey,
Marsh and Grochowski