Best Development, Belvedere

“Once again, the Best Development Award goes to a project that was resisted from the outset by a short-sighted Council. On appeal, the Duchy achieved an outline consent for the development’s 25 houses on a difficult, sloping site close to the centre of Truro. The reserved matters were then dealt with by the selected developer, Rosemullion Homes which, in turn, appointed Batterton Tyack Associates to create a development inspired by the Georgian, Victorian and Art Deco buildings in the City of Truro.

The resulting design is a master class in urban planning, respecting the site’s natural contours and taking full advantage of its westerly orientation. On entering Belvedere, its inherent character is immediately apparent as a series of intimate courts, linked by curving terraces, raised pavements and charming walkways lead you from one house to the next. A central court and an upper courtyard are used to create two key focal points, which are visually linked by nature of their shape and form, the latter also providing a play area.

The building layout has clearly taken priority over the road layout, the latter of which is defined by granite setts and channels rather than the standard kerbs and pavements. The impact of garaging has been minimised by ingeniously creating an ‘undercroft’ arrangement, which is also used to hide services entry points. The fine period detailing and the use of local materials create interest at every turn. A carefully selected palette featuring stone, slate, colour-washed render and dressed local granite reinforces the vernacular nature of the project. This, coupled with the close attention that has been paid to the rhythm, proportion and texture of the individual buildings has made this an outstanding development worthy of the Gold award.”

Extract from Judges Report, What House? 2008

 

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