Weymouth Cadet Centre

Posted by Trinity Architecture Limited on 6th November 2019 -

CADET CENTRE

Located within the old area of Weymouth, the existing dilapidated halls and workshops of the Cadet Centre have been replaced with a new purpose designed structure, now named TS Duke of York. The design of the development has evolved to reflect a contemporary appearance, combining various heights which reflect that of the original buildings and is in context with the adjoining buildings.

The centre maintains the existing red face brick Victorian barracks along Barrack Road, containing a variety of uses including the Army Careers and Air Training Corps at ground floor level with Cadet residential accommodation on the floor above. This was considered the most suitable use for this building as it retains the military links with the past and locates the centre’s visiting residential accommodation back within the building’s original use.

To the rear of the original barrack building is located the centre’s new main facilities, constructed using a steel frame, comprising sports hall with climbing wall and shooting range, dining room / kitchens, mess decks, classrooms, changing rooms, storage, ward room and boat workshop, many of which are available for community use.

The access to the site and the immediate road area to the front has been adjusted to improve highway safety.

RESIDENTIAL

This development of 32 no. dwellings comprises open market and shared equity houses and flats. The intention was to achieve a series of buildings creating a modern concept of the barracks building nearby which has been newly refurbished and extended as part of this project. It contains individual family size residential properties of various accommodation and floor areas. During the design process due care was given to the surrounding properties ensuring that the proposed scale, design and intensity was in harmony with existing surrounding developments and that no overlooking or loss of amenity for neighbouring residents would result. The building combines various heights which reflect that of the original barrack buildings, which have since been demolished, and is in context with the present adjoining buildings.

The use of a red face brick with areas of through coloured render for the main body of the development, with a pre-patinated zinc standing seam and reconstituted slate to the pitched roofs and zinc coloured single ply membrane to the flat roofs, gives the overall property a distinct character. Recent developments in the area have been equally distinctive in appearance suggesting that variety of style is seen as characteristic of the area. The extensive use of glass looks to maximise solar gain and assists in reducing its potential impact, maintaining the visual links with the existing properties in the area.

The rear of the building has Juliet style balconies at the perimeter to avoid / reduce any overlooking issues, whilst taking best advantage of the sea views / glimpses. These balconies have tinted frameless glazed panels. A variety of window and external door styles have been utilised to create a sense of individuality within a common unified scheme.