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News Release from: Marley Eternit | Subject: Cladding panels
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 07 June 2006
Cladding panels from Marley Eternit
specified
Cladding panels from Marley Eternit used for controversial housing development in Romford town centre
Architects Lawrence Beckingham Field took a bold step when they specified cladding panels from Marley Eternit that they had not used before, for a controversial housing development in Romford town centre - and it has paid off What was a former meat wholesaler and packaging operation in an area designated for secondary employment is now a stunning landmark three to five-storey group of 42 balconied apartments with 15% provision for social housing, on the corner of Oldchurch Road and Rom Valley Way
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 9 Apr 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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Because the 0.26 hectare site lies within the Rom Valley Way west secondary employed area as defined in the Unitary Development Plan, planning permission would only be granted where the proposal was for a Class B1, B2, B8 or other employment-generating use and where surrounding residential amenities would not be adversely affected.
However, the policy did state that where an applicant could demonstrate that land or buildings had proved difficult to dispose of, other employment-generating uses might be permitted, and in exceptional circumstances, residential development might be permitted where it produced environmental gain.
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Planners heard that the vacant property had been advertised for sale and a total of 22 bids received.
However, most of them were then withdrawn and of those that remained, none proposed the continuation of commercial use.
The marketing agents had concluded that there was a general lack of commercial interest in the site.
English Heritage had noted the site was within an area of archaeological potential and requested the imposition of planning conditions and the nearby NHS Trust had drawn attention to the location of their helicopter landing area and the need to maintain flight paths.
In addition, four letters of complaint were received from neighbours objecting on the grounds of land contamination, loss of open space, overdevelopment of the site, increased traffic, insufficient access and car parking, and that it was out of character.
The new building rises almost organically from three to five storeys to complement surrounding properties and accentuate its corner position, and has been positioned to present a continuous, elegant curving facade to the road frontage.
A low profiled monopitch roof is complemented with "modern, high-quality" materials such as the Marley Eternit cladding installed by ECL Contracts, brickwork, render and stonework, with the detailed elevation to Oldchurch Road and the 42-space car park behind showing strong vertical and horizontal articulation.
A report by chief executive Harold Tinworth to the Regulatory Services Committee stated: "Staff conclude that the building would enhance the quality of the built environment and make a positive design statement on this corner plot." The 42 contemporary and energy-efficient apartments comprise two one-bedroomed units, eight one-bedroomed units with studies and 32 two-bedroomed units, with a communal area design scheme from Conran and Partners.
The design of the building aims to minimise heat loss and the grouping of accommodation attempts to reduce exterior walls to make more efficient use of energy.
Wherever possible, materials used were from sustainable or recycled sources.
Many of the balconies are south-facing, overlooking the landscaped gardens and Old Church Park.
Mike Waters, of Lawrence Beckingham Field Architects, said: "We hadn't used Marley Eternit cladding before but would now consider using it again".
"We selected it as it requires no maintenance".
"It provides a contrast with all the other materials used in the building and works effectively". Request a free brochure from Marley Eternit ...
"The client has given positive feedback.".
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