The homes sit either side of ‘Stitch Square’, a new central public plaza designed to provide space for events and stitch the masterplan across the two sides of the river, contributing to the campus feeling of the proposals.
The internal layout is designed to make clever use of the large change in level between Stitch Square and Mill Race Terrace. Commercial space is created on the ground floor of both buildings, providing active frontage to the square and riverfront.
The new homes boast river views to the south and woodland views to the north, whilst being just five minutes’ walk to the adjacent Kirkstall Forge railway station for access into Leeds city centre in just six minutes.
A buff brick exterior ties the materiality of the homes into the wider masterplan and accents of bronze in the aluminium window frames and panels are used to complement the materiality of Number One Kirkstall Forge on the opposite side of the river.
Perforations within the metal panels of the parking level and residential windows are designed with a cog pattern as a nod to the industrial heritage of the Forge, whilst also performing a ventilation and shading function.
Ultimately, Kirkstall Forge will provide up to 1,450 new
homes, 300,000 sqft of offices and 100,000 sqft of retail, leisure and
community space.
Peter Cartwright
Founding Director, Cartwright Pickard