© Rob Parrish . Published on July 22, 2009.

This project is the first phase of Allford Hall Monaghan Morris’ re-development of Barking Central I for their client Redrow Regeneration & London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. The scheme comprises 246 one and two bedroom flats in two new six storey blocks sitting above the two floors of a totally revitalised and extended library. The north residential block, supported on a colonnade of V columns, is mainly one bedroom flats arranged on each floor either side of a linear corridor. The south block has a similar plan, but with two bedroom apartments on the south expressed on the elevation by their longer balconies. The north and south elevations of the blocks above have a smaller scale mosaic in a shimmering silver rainscreen cladding punctured by staggered balconies. The balconies are coloured green at the east end of the elevation shading to yellow at the west. Between the two parallel blocks the elevations change to a white self-coloured render with white balconies looking down onto the Grant Associates sky garden, together creating an unexpected and tranquil environment for residents in the heart of Barking.

© Tim Soar . Published on July 22, 2009.

This second phase of development around Barking Town Hall and its new plaza completes an architectural ensemble grouped on either side of a compact urban woodland called the Arboretum. To the immediate east of the new Arboretum is the recently completed apartment building and Learning Centre of Phase 1 which establishes the identity of the whole scheme. To the West and North are four of the new Phase II buildings, and one further residential block on Axe Street to the East of Phase 1. They are deliberately mixed in both character and size. The residential accommodation in the scheme contains a variety of high specification 1, 2 and 3 bed units, each with private amenity spaces. The scheme incorporates a sustainability strategy providing 10% renewables through bio mass heating and wind turbines. Consideration is given to the material choices and the scheme includes both brown and green roofs.

© Tim Soar . Published on July 22, 2009.

© Tim Soar . Published on July 22, 2009.

© Tim Soar . Published on July 22, 2009.

© Tim Soar . Published on July 22, 2009.

© Tim Soar . Published on July 22, 2009.

© Tim Soar . Published on July 22, 2009.

© Tim Soar . Published on July 22, 2009.

© Tim Soar . Published on July 22, 2009.

© Tim Soar . Published on July 22, 2009.

© Rob Parrish . Published on July 22, 2009.

© Rob Parrish . Published on July 22, 2009.

© Rob Parrish . Published on July 22, 2009.

© Rob Parrish . Published on July 22, 2009.

© Rob Parrish . Published on July 22, 2009.