Harp & Harp channels Arts and Crafts with Croydon homes

Architect’s view

Planning was granted for the scheme following an extensive year long pre-planning application process with Croydon Council. The project’s increased density in its suburban location was enabled as a result of the Suburban Design Guide SPD which Croydon enacted to allow suburban intensification to combat the housing crisis. Bradmore Way was one of the last projects to be consented before the SPD was revoked following political upheaval in the borough and indeed the project faced large organised opposition from neighbours which had to be sensitively navigated and informed the design process.

Architecturally, the building sits in a pleasant but staid suburban setting, the character largely defined by the interwar, sub Arts and Crafts vernacular language of most of the surrounding homes. The design responds to this character with a building that is recognisable and vernacular in silhouette with prominent gabled forms and low slung eaves, feeling comfortable and contextual in the streetscape but with a detail and refinement that is contemporary and confident. Features found on the road are referenced but reinterpreted in contemporary form, from the exaggerated extended eaves and diaper brick pattern to the tile creasing materiality laid en masse as a brick wall. This is further heightened with the bold green and red used on windows, railings and woodwork which aims to further lift the architecture above its more muted setting.

The scheme provides a large range of sizes and typologies to facilitate a more mixed and diverse community to flourish. By creating a terrace of not just houses but also maisonettes and flats, it allows different people to live in the same community and demonstrates how sensitive infill can take place in suburban locations.
Steven Harp, director, Harp & Harp

Client’s view

The project presented a number of challenges both in terms of a very sensitive planning environment as well as a site with an extremely steep topography. The building responds to both of these challenges via a design which is sympathetic to its context whilst remaining contemporary that works creatively with the level changes on the site, providing a range of unit sizes and typologies that cater to a wider spectrum of potential occupants than an average infill development of this scale in this location. The resulting building contains homes which are bright and well proportioned, all configured to provide stunning views of the surrounding open countryside to the south of the site.
Sean Branton, director, Virtue Property Group