Cardington Airfield

The buildings are up to 3 storeys in height, with a variety of eaves lines incorporated to help promote variety in the streetscene. The bulk of dwellings are two storeys, with two-and-a-half and three storey units used occasionally for placemaking purposes.

The end of each street has been arranged to terminate at focal buildings to close views or towards open spaces. These provide a simple, well-connected and legible arrangement. One of these has been oriented to terminate on the gable of one of the Hangars (Shed 1).

House-type designs are based on traditional forms, drawing on simple vernacular style detailing. Facing materials will include bricks in red and buff.

In order to respond to the important setting of the giant, listed Cardington Hangars, the team has designed a strong frontage of apartments creating an appropriate response which is not in competition with the iconic structures.

Our main improvements to the original scheme include a reduction in dwelling sizes to allow many more units to fall within the ‘Help to Buy’ category and a revised mix of dwelling types that better reflects the developers’ requirements and addresses issues of affordability for first time buyers.

We have introduced additional sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) including a swale around the eastern boundary.

Our revised bus route design for the estate is more consistent with the requirements of local operators and a tree-lined boulevard has been introduced throughout the central bus loop and beyond.

Increased pedestrian and cycle permeability links circulate throughout and distinctive public open spaces sit within the heart of the scheme and are connected by a green link (Airship Park and The Oval).