Upper High Street Open Market Housing Architecture Portfolio

Ipswich

Contextual Urban Design

This was the first substantial development to be carried out ‘in house’ by the senior partner, Roger Gilles. The decision to become involved in development, apart from financial considerations, was made to give the practice more design freedom and provide a ‘showcase’ for residential projects.

The governors of the former Art School in Upper High Street, Ipswich had originally intended to add a wing accommodating a cabinet-making studio and fine art studio. The first phase of the school was completed in 1933 but the outbreak of hostilities prevented the later addition of these studios leaving a vacant site. This site was used as a car park by Suffolk County Council until 2002 when it was offered for sale.

Back

Employer:

Stoic Developments ( R & E Gilles)

Project:

6 new build 4 bed town houses

Capital Value:

£950k

Contractor:

JCT Intermediate, Contractor SEH French Construction

Consultants:

Gill Associates - Quantity Surveyor, MLM Consulting Engineers -Structural Engineer

Roger and Elizabeth Gilles acquired the site and produced a scheme of six town houses which continue the International Style of architecture of the Art School along the Upper High Street frontage. The completed design incorporates many purpose-built elements which match those of the Art School and the development has been mistaken by many to be a conversion of existing premises.

The scheme was presented with a Design Award by The Suffolk Association of Architects in May 2007.