Hansfield Phase 1
This scheme comprised 91 houses forming an infill to the first phase of Hansfield SDZ (Strategic Development Zone).
During the economic recession, work ceased in the Strategic Development Zone leaving behind an incomplete urban fabric – a patchwork of isolated island-like developments. The aim of the proposal was to establish a well-defined urban edge to the Main Street and residential streets behind the existing pockets of development. In doing so new links would be created between the old and new, knitting the proposal into the existing neighbourhoods.
New two storey terraces of fine-grained units with a continuous building line, located tight to the back of the pavement create a street character and sense of urbanism. Taller corner buildings at junctions serve as landmark buildings aiding legibility and a creating a sense of place.
CCK Masterplan for Hansfield SDZ . Phase 1 showing infill sites and links with the existing fabric outlined in red
The corner building at the junction with Barnwell Lane (above) as a landmark building. As this marks an entrance into the development it is strongly defined by three-storey buildings with housing entries directly from the street. The small square at the start of the street is an effective incident space on the route to the Village Square typical of village streets.
Mid-terrace houses are typically not paired in keeping with the quality of typical Irish village streets. An additional aim of the proposals was to achieve linkages with the existing neighbourhoods. Considered landscaping and trees add greenery to the streetscape as well as aiding traffic calming.
An Individual Identity
The overall character of Hansfield is established by the creation of new street linkages, well designed architectural statements at key entrances, key buildings, and the provision of effective incidental open spaces. In this way, the new development poses an individual sense of identity, yet links into the network of streets in Ongar and Clonsilla and integrates with the wider context.
