Chelsea Barracks

London

Masterplan for a new quarter of London on the 13 acre site of the former Chelsea Barracks, working with architects Squire & Partners, Dixon Jones and Ben Pentreath; engineers Atelier 10; planners DP9. In 2012 detailed planning approval was granted by Westminster City Council for the public realm and open spaces with outline consent for the buildings. Construction is now proceeding apace.

The plan comprises houses, flats and shops arranged around a series of squares that link into the surrounding streets. The philosophy of the development is for all the open spaces to be productive as well as beautiful. The principal approach is formed by 100 metre long spine of vegetable gardens, culminating in the central square where the food is served in the local restaurant beside the restored garrison chapel. The adjoining squares are formed by orchards, nutteries and a rill remembering the Westbourne River. Rain water is harvested and energy taken from deep bore ground source heat.