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Rosemount Sheltered Housing
Object Type: Architecture Drawing
Artist/Maker: Cameron, Alexander
Date: 2011
Awards: RGU Architecture Purchase Award
Classification: Architecture
Description:
Mixed use design scheme comprising sheltered housing apartments & retail premises, Aberdeen
The nature of sheltered housing varies form secluded retirement type homes positioned in open green space, to more centralised apartment blocks in city and suburban areas. The proposed site falls into the latter of these general categories. As such, the proposed mixed use design scheme seeks to address the adjacent established thoroughfare of Rosemount Place, which offers a range of amenities. The proposed accommodation of sheltered housing apartments and a collection of retail premises, aims to maintain the established urban use pattern that has become intrinsic to the area.
The proposed site in Aberdeen is on the periphery of the city's centre. The site is at a point where the mixed use granite tenements which dominate the city centre's built fabric terminate, and are then followed by the wholly residential terraces of a smaller scale. Owing to this apparent differentiation of urban use, the site assumes a transitional nature.
The existing built fabric of Rosemount comprises primarily of granite stone. The widespread use of granite in Aberdeen defines the material expression of the city. Aberdeen's buildings demonstrate an unyielding command of the physical properties that granite offers. The proportions of the elevations are inherently linked to the strength and density of granite. The homogeneous material usage of these building's external expression denotes the proportions that are adopted for the openings. The result of such material usage portrays a solidity of character and expression. The extensive use of granite in the area results in the townscape assuming a monochromatic quality that is embellished by the play of shadows created by mouldings.
The proposed design scheme provides 24 sheltered housing apartments designed for either single occupants or couples. There are three flat types that comprise the range of accommodation offered, with floor areas of 40.5m², 50.7m² and 53.3m². On the ground floor are a total of five retail premises. At basement level there is provision for approximately 12 car parking spaces, and additional storage and service rooms.
The site benefits from it's close proximity to a range of amenities, including shops, cafes and parkland. The occupants can easily avail of these facilities and therefore it is apparent that the need for communal facilities that might be expected in a sheltered housing scheme are not necessary.
Object Number: ABDRG2011.36.2