MANCHESTER HOUSING PROPOSAL
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MANCHESTER HOUSING PROPOSAL - SALFORD, ENGLAND
TYPOLOGY: Residential
SCOPE: New Construction, RIBA Competition Entry
SIZE: 150,000 Sq. Ft.
CLIENT: Urban Splash
This proposal for housing along the River Irwell affords residents the convenience of city life in a lush green environment along the waterfront. Manchester’s canal and river system provide a wonderful opportunity to be revitalized and used for commerce, transportation and recreation. The Springfield Lane Development consists of residential and commercial buildings. The larger building has 90 apartments, 20 commercial spaces and 120 parking spaces on two levels. The smaller building, to the north, has 30 residential units and 28 parking spaces. Apartments along the canal come with an additional barge unit that plugs into the apartment, extending the living space into a floating sunroom with extra bedroom, kitchen and bath, creating an attractive option for potential buyers.
This development bring life to the site and neighborhood. Swimming, ice skating, and floating performances are just some of the activities that could take place in the Water Plaza. Canals are an underutilized link between city and countryside that provide the opportunity for floating farmers markets and a new Barge-Bus transportation system serving Manchester, Salford and surrounding areas. Barges provide a pleasant and energy-efficient mode of transportation that reduces road traffic and pollution. The Barge-Bus and dry dock could provide employment opportunities for local residents. The building on the east side of the river houses a dry dock and boat shop for repair and maintenance of barges and boats. Above the dry dock are rehearsal spaces for the Floating Theater that performs in the Water Plaza when not touring the waterways of England.
The stepped landscape is a playful interpretation of the traditional English Garden. Ascending grassy knolls and green roofs provide residents with public gardens and private lawns for recreation. Eco-roofs are sustainable, energy efficiency and agreeable in appearance. They help to reduce energy consumption, provide for water retention, and increase habitat for wildlife. Altogether, this housing and commercial development brings the site’s greatest assets together with environmental principles to create a thriving, economically viable community.