Zac Monro Architects

Northshore

At the heart of the Master-plan for 200 new homes on the banks of the river Tees, is the need to generate a clear and direct connection with the river, using its character and identity to create a sense of community.

Pedestrian Play-streets and communal gardens run from the river into the site, brining the natural landscaping and views of the river deep into the site, and the connecting the public areas together with the river at its heart.

Running across the site, perpendicular to this, the neighbourly relations are forged by the permeability of the public and private spaces. On the street-side curtain twitching is encouraged, especially as your kids are probably out there playing football with the kids from over the road. And to the rear the communal garden is big enough to be a really useful space: a space where neighbours share a cup of coffee, do some planting or sit by the sand pit watching your under 5s run wild.

Simple! No cul-de-sacs or gated communities and every home has a view of the river.