Belvidere
In 2005 as part of a project team Hypostyle Architects were commissioned by Kier Homes Ltd to design a masterplan for the site of the former Belvidere Hospital in Glasgow. In addition to the masterplan Hypostyle were also asked to work up a detailed design code in consultation with the planning and roads department. The design code was subsequently adopted as part of the outline consent for the site and was a key factor in obtaining consent. Planning consent for the masterplan was won in April 2006.
The 13ha site itself lies in the east of Glasgow and is served on its northern boundary by London Road. The site is predominantly flat with some steeply sloping areas at the southern boundary overlooking the River Clyde. In addition to physical constraints there were a number of planning constraints including retaining the Victorian ‘B’ listed original hospital building, and retaining significant areas of mature woodland.
The masterplan is for residential development and is arranged into three distinct character zones; high density urban blocks, urban terraced housing, and low density sub-urban housing. The high density urban blocks consist of four storey flats and three storey townhouses, each block surrounds a communal square with pocket park. The terraced housing is two storey and provides a transition between the urban blocks and sub-urban housing beyond. In addition to the above there are two six storey blocks of flats overlooking the river and three storey townhouses providing a setting for the retained listed building which was also to be converted into flats.
Throughout there was a commitment to the provision to high quality in the public domain, and particular consideration was given to the detail design of streets, play areas, parking arrangements, and shared gardens.
The masterplan achieved 351 units on the site, comprising of 145 flats, 115 townhouses, and 91 houses.