The Fenways

Client

Keepmoat Homes

Location

Northstowe, Cambridgeshire

Description

A residential parcel containing 300 new homes and a commercial unit within the Northstowe new town masterplan.

The Fenways’ Phase 2B, forms part of the second phase of development at Northstowe, a sustainable new town, 8km north of Cambridge City Centre. The Fenways parcel focusses on meeting local housing need through providing 300 homes, via a mixture of house types and tenures, centred around the ‘Healthy Living Mantra’.

The landscape-led design provides for safe, memorable, sensory and social experiences, connecting positively to existing communities and the future town. Whilst predominantly a residential parcel, there is also a community cafe. The Fenways is zoned into distinct areas of character, with their own uniqueness, following a strict road and architectural hierarchy, considering rhythm and repetition, materiality and set backs from the highway. This serves a number of purposes: it provides legibility, identity and aids natural wayfinding, but also provides a variety of living environments for a multitude of different lifestyles. The design prioritises connectivity, with community-friendly streets and raised tables to slow traffic, incorporating Local Area Play and doorstep play, threading green links and outdoor garden space between streets, promoting walking and cycling.

Within all of the ten open spaces provided as part of the project, an edible landscape and play space is incorporated, encouraging children to spend time outside promoting healthier lifestyles from a young age.