Magdalen Road

Magdalen Road

Oxford

An imaginative development of a prominent corner site on Magdalen Road, providing six apartments. Nestled in the vibrant city of Oxford, the site is a charming and bustling thoroughfare that features an array of independent shops, quaint cafes and inviting restaurants. The existing buildings create a rather peculiar collection of forms and styles that do not add aesthetic value to the local character, and due to poor condition of the existing structure, substantial parts of the existing elements are recommended for replacement or demolition. This created an opportunity to redefine the appearance and use of the site. The concept was developed by analysis of the local character, taking inspiration from surrounding built forms and details. Placemaking principles were at the heart of the concept development process.

We have sought to reference the strong horizontal and vertical rhythm of the terraced dwellings along Hurst Street and Magdalen Road created by eaves, horizontal brick courses and bays and distinctiveness of the terraced dwellings. The proposed roof along Hurst Street is lowered with eaves matching the eaves of adjacent properties, while the volume at the corner is larger, which references the existing building and creates an accent corner feature. The articulation of the facade and introduction of bays and projecting features are reinterpretations of the surrounding Victorian terraces. Due to the significance of this corner plot, the development seeks to enhance the neighbourhood’s identity and provide a distinctive and attractive addition to the street scene.

The proposals create distinctive architecture, although taking consideration of surrounding forms and being sympathetic to the local character, complementing and enhancing the area. The concept reinterprets the traditional forms and details in a contemporary approach, using refined minimalist details, contributing to the vibrant street scene of the Magdalen Road. The new development will be constructed using high quality and durable materials with a proposed palette consisting of light buff brick combined with cast stone features and crisp light grey zinc roofing.