Braithwaite House

Braithwaite House is a nineteen storey  tower block of housing constructed in 1963 and refurbished in 2000. To the rear of the block is a large raised podium over a residents carpark which is at present open and un-landscaped. The entrance and foyer area of the building is at first floor level accessed by ramps and stairs from Bunhill Row.

The process of developing the scheme involved a community engagement through two residencies. The first was a mapping residency to introduce the project and the design to the residents, look at the existing site dynamics, identify participant groups, and to test potential programmes

The second was a design residency in which design exercises were held on site, programmes were identified, and the residents were consulted about the nature and appearance of a design intervention on the podium – a new piece of urban landscape

Phase 1

The scheme extends the public realm of Braithwaite House through a garden superimposed over the existing podium
The new garden is designed to extend from the entrance/foyer area of the building in a series of gently stepping levels:

a: Level 1 extends from the foyer entrance as an extension of the internal lobby at the same level. It is paved and ramped down (250mm) to

Level 2 which is a raised platform plane from which to view the garden and the outside spaces beyond, including the football pitch and the playground. It is a place for residents to linger and chat. It anchors the new garden externally. It is paved and ramped down (250mm) to

Level 3 which consists of a series of planes and areas including
- Paths around and through the garden
- Self sustaining ground planting beds
- Raised planting beds planted with robust low-maintenance plants

 

Phase 2

In outline Phase 2 consists of:

i: An extension of the garden on the north end of the podium with  platforms and activity areas

ii: Direct stronger connection route to the podium at the north end with seating area

iii: Stair connection from podium to Quaker Gardens

iv: Repositioned carparking spaces

v: Additional seating to the north of the performance area

vi: Investigations into viability of renting front undercroft bays as shops

vii: Community space in undercroft on podium