Cwrt Parc, Barry - Social Housing
Cwrt Parc is an award-winning social housing development for Hafod Housing Association, consisting of 17 one-bedroom and 10 two-bedroom flats. Close to Barry docks, we designed this dense accommodation to feel human with a rhythm and variety in harmony with its local community.
Fallen into disrepair, the site was challengingly located on a steep hill. Rather than build a single structure, we instead built a series of buildings starting at the bottom of the site and stepping up and around the topography. The placement of bay windows in line with the hill gives the buildings articulation and a resonance with their setting.
In every decision, we aimed to minimise the housing blocks to a scale that could feel more like home to the new families and residents living there. The third storey is built into the roof space, keeping the buildings low and creating variations in window sizes and features across the different apartments. The roof line is intentionally broken, giving the impression of more, smaller buildings.
Feeling safe was a priority for the development. The buildings are accessed through a central courtyard with communal amenities like parking, washing lines and bike storage. These are overlooked by the flats, creating a natural form of surveillance.
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In red brick, Cwrt Parc fits among the older houses surrounding it. Enter into the courtyard where you’ll see cars, bikes and rotary washing lines. This space feels safe, enclosed but under the watchful eye of neighbours. While simple, each of the flats is slightly different with variations in window sizes and some outward bays you can sit in. All have views inwards over the courtyard and outwards to the streets beyond.
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Client: Hafod and Vale of Glamorgan Council
Location: Barry
Status: Completed (2019)
Contract value: £5 Million
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Best Social Housing Award Building Excellence Awards 2020, Vale of Glamorgan Council
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“Cwrt Parc has provided 27 affordable homes for local people including Julie, who’s told us: “It’s a lovely neighbourhood and the flats are absolutely wonderful. I just feel really safe here and Hafod have helped me so much”.”
