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Derry Avenue, South Ockendon

A rewarding and enriching place to grow old

Credit: Killian O'Sullivan

Bell Phillips Architects for Thurrock Council Housing Department

Contract value: Undisclosed  

GIA: 2,440 m²

Architect of the Year sponsored by Tarmac

 

This noteworthy scheme for 25 elderly residents brings to life an underused car park between the town centre and a sheltered community garden; balancing protection of the garden with views through the development and potential future routes through to the town centre.

The building form is simple but dramatic in its setting. Although higher than its neighbours the scheme is not overpowering, as it reduces in scale towards the edges of the site and is divided into three linked pavilions.

  • Credit: Killian O'Sullivan
  • Credit: Killian O'Sullivan
  • Credit: Killian O'Sullivan
  • Credit: Killian O'Sullivan
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The external brick and weatherboarding are simple but well chosen and animated by generous balcony spaces. Internally the project is designed to encourage interaction between the residents and to allow for some personalisation of corridor spaces.

Derry Avenue will be both a rewarding and enriching place to grow old and, importantly, act as a catalyst for development in the area in the long term. 

See other winners in the RIBA Regional Awards – East


 

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