The revival of the civic
Evans Vettori Architects for Barncroft Homes
Contract value: £1.8 million
GIA: 1,180m2
Parkside is an example of important civic architecture with the lightest of touches. The new stone-clad building provides commercial units at its base with three floors of residential accommodation above. Built on a former car park overlooking a park, it has filled the missing link in the surrounding urban fabric. A sense of place is made of the former tarmac wilderness.
The site responds to Matlock’s conservation area intelligently, subtly and with a craftsman’s skill. But the real joy is found up close where the richness of the detailing comes into focus. The architect and client must be applauded for their beautifully textured dressed stonework offset with the smoothness of the large glazed openings and gentle handling of copper oriel windows and a penthouse storey.
Its appearance is strong and bold, yet it has the maturity, creativity and layering of a piece of classical music that becomes more pleasing with every listen. Full RIBAJ review at http://is.gd/parkside
See other winners in the RIBA Regional Awards 2015 – East Midlands