Queens Park Court Infill Development

Following a fire Queens Park Court where all communal areas were destroyed, Basildon Council appointed ECD to provide a narrative for improved facilities on site. The concept for the new infill was driven from resident and stakeholder engagement, to ensure key priorities were met following fire damage and in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The resulting proposal focuses on connecting residents to nature, creating a seamless transition from garden to internal space. This is further reinforced by the exposed, double-height cross-laminated timber roof, spanning through the reception area and main hall.

The proposal improves wayfinding through the development, rationalising internal levels to minimise steps and re-grades external levels throughout the garden with widened pathways, ensuring these areas are accessible to all. The spaces have been curated referencing the HAPPI standard, utilising inclusive colour schemes, finishes and textures.

The spaces support various activities, including new hobby rooms, treatment room, kitchen, laundry, hall, snug, and office. The sequence of each, navigable within the cyclical floor plan of the development.

To ensure the residents privacy and dignity is maintained, the South corridor connecting the two residential arms, is provided with frosted glazing to protect from its neighbouring development. Solar shading to the South-West elevation also prevents overlooking, whilst limiting overheating in summer to comply with Part O, Building Regulations. The buildings orientation maximises the opportunity for PV panels, providing the site with renewable energy sources that contribute to the communal areas energy demand, keeping resident service charges to a minimum.