TWICKENHAM RIVERSIDE
We stand at a crossroads where fundamental choices about our relationship with nature are required in all areas of our lives. Baynes and Mitchell Architects with Outpost were one of five architectural teams shortlisted by Richmond Council to design a scheme for Twickenham Riverside in south-west London. Our proposals were predicated on a desire to explore alternative methods of how we design, build and live in greater harmony with nature. We created a collection of new architecture that would promote the reuse of buildings and materials from the site with the assembly of natural building materials of minimal carbon footprint to create healthy and exemplar carbon neutral buildings. Our buildings for the competition were simple and designed to serve and enhance the existing community with new public buildings and open spaces.
We aimed to use, as far as possible, only ‘natural’ low embodied energy materials such as rammed earth, straw bale and lime render walls, and unfired clay brick, timber and recycled materials, some of which would be directly reclaimed from the site. These materials offer exceptional thermal, comfort, health and wellbeing for properties alongside beautiful rich textures and colour.
The proposals would enhance the planting and biodiversity of Diamond Jubilee Gardens and rewild the landscape of the river edge. The gardens would become a pedestrian haven, for playing, events, relaxing and enjoying the natural river edge and the working river front of the mainland and island. Housing in the form of an inhabited garden wall would allow inhabitants to live closely with nature.
The development should strengthen and bring together the vibrancy of the both Eel Pie Island and Twickenham Riverside. Our proposals were to bring the island towards the high street and the high street towards the island – with the intensification of activity along Water Lane. The result would enhance and ensure a thriving community, able to enjoy the best of the two worlds.
Twickenham’s traditional working river edge is one of its great strengths and endearing charms. The proposals would re-activate this stretch of river frontage. Boats were to be stored and repaired here, ice creams sold, and beer barrels stacked. There were places to sit and places to play. There is space for incidental parking, deliveries of goods and materials and the removal of rubbish. All these activities take place here in informal harmony.
Our aim was to deliver a scheme that would provide an exceptional contribution to Twickenham and the wider community.
We aimed to use, as far as possible, only ‘natural’ low embodied energy materials such as rammed earth, straw bale and lime render walls, and unfired clay brick, timber and recycled materials, some of which would be directly reclaimed from the site. These materials offer exceptional thermal, comfort, health and wellbeing for properties alongside beautiful rich textures and colour.
The proposals would enhance the planting and biodiversity of Diamond Jubilee Gardens and rewild the landscape of the river edge. The gardens would become a pedestrian haven, for playing, events, relaxing and enjoying the natural river edge and the working river front of the mainland and island. Housing in the form of an inhabited garden wall would allow inhabitants to live closely with nature.
The development should strengthen and bring together the vibrancy of the both Eel Pie Island and Twickenham Riverside. Our proposals were to bring the island towards the high street and the high street towards the island – with the intensification of activity along Water Lane. The result would enhance and ensure a thriving community, able to enjoy the best of the two worlds.
Twickenham’s traditional working river edge is one of its great strengths and endearing charms. The proposals would re-activate this stretch of river frontage. Boats were to be stored and repaired here, ice creams sold, and beer barrels stacked. There were places to sit and places to play. There is space for incidental parking, deliveries of goods and materials and the removal of rubbish. All these activities take place here in informal harmony.
Our aim was to deliver a scheme that would provide an exceptional contribution to Twickenham and the wider community.
Client: RIBA Competitions
Location: Twickenham, London
Status: Shortlisted
Sector: Mixed-use, Cultural, Retail, Residential
In collaboration with: Outpost - Architecture & Design
Location: Twickenham, London
Status: Shortlisted
Sector: Mixed-use, Cultural, Retail, Residential
In collaboration with: Outpost - Architecture & Design