Dens Road

Dens Road, a development of affordable apartments designed for Cullross and Hillcrest Housing Association, occupies the site of the former Dens Road Metal Works in Dundee. Situated on a prominent site at the edge of Stobswell, the design of the development aims to reshape the built character of the site whilst contributing to the overall success of the regeneration within the area.

Date

2018

Client

Cullross Ltd/ Hillcrest Housing Association

Value

£1.6m

jmarchitects obtained planning consent for the development of the Brownfield site to provide 21 high quality apartments accommodated over three blocks which line the south west edge of the site. Key to planning was the design of the four storey tower element which serves to form an attractive new focal point to the termination of Alexander Street and together with the remaining blocks forms a strong urban elevation within a prominent location.

Our design approach for the project stems from the existing geometries of the urban grain relative to the varying approaches of the site. The stepped nature of the proposal references adjacent building plots, creating a series of elevations which are perceived differently from all approaches, resulting in a form and massing that is a three dimensional urban condition rather than a flat elevation.

The massing of the site exaggerates the geometries of the adjacent existing building lines and sits within a multi dimensional layering of the urban fabric, due to the varying topography. This means the proposal is always read as one layer of many. To further reinforce this relationship, the roofscapes of the development create a profile that will be staggered when viewed from different perspectives, rising and falling in relation to each other and the existing context.

Thoughtful integration of townscape modelling and careful orientation of the buildings allow for maximised views across the City and out towards the Tay for the Southern Blocks.

Project gallery

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The Challenge

To create a housing development which offers modern, affordable apartments which meets the needs of our client whilst presenting aesthetics and massing appropriate to the context in which it resides.

The Solution

Through carefully placed blocks of accommodation, the design creates a strong urban edge to complete the elevation of Dens Road, whilst forming an attractive new focal point to the termination of Alexander Street.

The Outcome

The design of the development reshapes the built character of the site whilst contributing to the overall success of the regeneration within the Stobswell area. Thoughtful integration of townscape modelling and careful orientation of the buildings has ensured a high quality, affordable housing development was achieved for both the client and end users.