Client
Inhabit
Overview
Location: Manchester
Value: Undisclosed
Programme: June 2013 - 2018
Service: Architecture
GIA: 252,000 ft²
No of units: 327 Apartments
Mix: 36% 1 bed, 64% 2 bed
No of floors: 35
Height: 117m
5plus’ proposed scheme for Whitworth Street West will be a 117m high PRS residential tower, representing a flagship development within the clients UK portfolio of high quality Private Rented Sector developments.
Whitworth Street West is surrounded by a varied mix of buildings of differing scale and materiality. The site is key gateway from South Manchester and Manchester Airport and is situated within an evolving quarter of Manchester.
Guided by the City Council’s adopted Development Framework for this area, the proposed development at Whitworth Street West will deliver a landmark building at a key gateway into the city. Acting as a stepping stone, it will connect the city centre core to its southern areas, and will act as a further stimulus to investment and the expansion of high quality city centre uses.
Our response to this prominent gateway and entry sequence is a slender, striking building of unassuming elegance and of world class quality. The design concept is expressed through a slim rectangular box of 327 apartments, with varying articulation of ground and roof.
The scheme offers a mix of studios and 1 & 2 bed apartments, all naturally ventilated with large floor to ceiling windows, offering panoramic views of the City the higher you live.
The structure formed through bladed columns is expressed at ground level. Provision of amenity space on the ground, first and roof pavilion floor incorporates a residents lounge, gym, cycle store and rooftop terrace.
1. The site
The site has been identified as a key site linking the First Street development and the wider southern Gateway regeneration areas to the rest of the city. It is an appropriate location for a tall building with the planned transport infrastructure upgrades and as a gateway to the southern approach.
2. The frame
A solid frame wraps up the east and western sides and forms the pergola to the roof. The solid walls define the building as particular to Manchester which has a heritage of buildings with different side elevations to front elevations.
3. Inserting accommodation
A light glass and metal box of accommodation is inserted and suspended in this solid frame. The materials are aligned to accentuate the vertical form which gives the building an international language of towers.
4. Articulating the base and crown
The classical principles of separating and articulating the base and top complete the concept. Both elements are recessed and present glazed elevations to Whitworth St and the south. This is where the communal amenity spaces will be located.
Location Plan
Ground Floor Plan
Typical Upper Floor Plan
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