Govan Gateway, New build Housing

Collective Architecture has recently completed 'Govan Gateway', a development of three inter-related residential buildings that mark the entrance to Govan Town Centre and act as a prominent symbol of urban renewal for this inner city suburb. The three parts are made up of; The Gateway, a freestanding six storey block set in a new public square with private gardens to the rear and a rooftop pavilion with roof garden; The Terrace, a curved five storey block adjoining an existing stone tenement building, known locally as the ‘Potted Heid’ due its pink granite base resembling potted meat; The Crescent, a lower density mix of four storey flats, terraced houses and cottage flats with private gardens set in a small south facing crescent. Overall the development provides a mix of 37 units for rent, 30 for sale and 12 for shared equity. The Gateway building's form has been generated by skewing the facade away from the pavement line, opening up views to the historic “Potted Heid” tenement, recognising that this formed a historic gateway into Govan. This decision also allowed a public square to be created between the new and old buildings, creating a softer space away from the busy main road. The Terrace block adjoins the Potted Heid's gable and follows the sweeping curve of the road, the granite base and string course of the Potted Heid is reflected in the new block with the use of polished block and precast stringcourse. The flats are accessed from a south facing external balcony, the width, design and orientation of which allows residents to actively use and personalise this external space. Secure parking and amenity space (which can also be used by the existing Potted Heid residents) has been created to the rear of the development. The Crescent reduces in scale from a four storey flatted block to two storey housing set within a crescent, creating an unexpected, quieter and more intimate space. A simple palette of materials has been used throughout, a multi-hued brick, polished block and gold aluminium cladding were all selected to reflect and compliment the materials, textures and colours of the local historic context.