Initially, this property was nothing more than a large parking lot toward the edge of the City of Portsmouth. Many of the surrounding lots had been bought up and we’re experiencing exciting new developments. All of it would contribute to this new area of expansion known as the North End. This project would also be embarking on a city approval process under the newly adopted ‘Character-Based’ zoning.

Due to the size and shape of the lot, the design evolved to be a collection of smaller buildings. However the interior featured cohesive single floor plates with a mix of condo flats and townhomes. This would be a unique opportunity to conceive of the master plan view of an entire block.

Each exterior facade was designed uniquely and separate from the others, whilst still using familiar materials, details and forms. We thought once complete, residents may refer to their individual buildings as their home:

‘I’m in the yellow house’ or
‘I’m the green door, second from the end of the block.’

These types of references would add to the neighborhood character of the block and the pedestrian nature that we, along with other developments were trying to imbue in this new North End.

Widened sidewalks and green spaces were also a key feature of the site design; smaller pedestrian ways were carved out between adjacent structures and covered walkways exited onto landscaped courtyards.

This project remains in the design and development stage. Visit this site to follow our progress and watch the review process on YouTube.