Beaufort Court

This development succeeds on almost all fronts. It is beautifully designed, detailed and constructed. It fits well with the existing Victorian red brick Peabody buildings, whilst being thoroughly 21st Century. The design could be happily transposed to the smartest part of the city. Its occupants are clearly delighted.

Cars are restricted to the undercroft parking in the centre, although tenants would like to use the areas between the trees for casual parking. The finish of the raised area is not particularly attractive. The partly sunk garage block with the court and play area on top, though practical, is rather intrusive and needs careful management. However, there is clearly a strong sense of community, with groups already chatting outside their doors.

Houses have a small defensible space at the front, and long gardens at the back. Staggering the plan at the rear provides privacy. There are bay windows in the smaller houses, which break up the front façade. The narrow frontage is cleverly handled, with daylight from a double height area making internal kitchen / dining rooms totally acceptable. Although sensitively planned, some rooms are just too small - such as the living room in the seven person house.

The atriums, from which the flats are accessed are thoroughly civilized, and the escape stairs provide landings that encourage interaction. South facing balconies can be accessed from both living rooms and bedrooms.

Elevational treatment illustrates how interest and humanity can be created without fuss. Large windows, often floor to ceiling, purposeful balconies with tough metal balustrading, bay windows, warm terracotta blocks and an articulated steel structure all provide a thoroughly satisfying experience. Massing and proportion please the eye, and sustainable elements please the conscience and pocket. However, 'the icing on the cake' would be money to improve the peripheral landscaping which is currently the most disappointing element of the project.